The Vanishing Ship of Compton Bay
Compton Bay on the Isle of Wight is known for its stunning coastline and treacherous waters. It's here that a group of friends on a beach party in July 1959 witnessed a bizarre and unexplained event. As they gazed out to sea they saw an old three-masted sailing ship heading straight for the shore. The ship seemed to be on a collision course but just as it was about to hit the beach it vanished into thin air. This astonishing sighting has become a famous ghost ship encounter with many speculating that the ship was HMS Eurydice.
The HMS Eurydice was a real ship that sank off the coast of the Isle of Wight in 1878. It's possible that the 1959 sighting was a paranormal manifestation or a ghostly apparition connected to the original ship. Several people have reported seeing the ship over the years always with the same outcome - it vanishes when close to the shore. The incident remains unexplained and continues to fascinate locals and visitors alike.
The HMS Eurydice sank off the coast of the Isle of Wight in 1878
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
St Catherine's Legendary Throw
Long Stone, Mottistone
Perched on the rolling hills of Mottistone, the Long Stone stands as a testament to a legendary tale of Saint Catherine and the Devil. This ancient boulder, said to have been thrown by the saint herself, has been a topic of fascination for locals and visitors alike. The story goes that to settle a dispute over who should control the island, Saint Catherine and the Devil agreed to a stone tossing contest. Saint Catherine's throw was straight and true, landing some seven miles away, while the Devil's throw fell short, and he left the island, true to his word.
The Albion Hotel Ghost
Albion Hotel, Freshwater
The Albion Hotel stands overlooking the picturesque Freshwater Bay on the Isle of Wight. This hotel has a long history, but one particular event has left an indelible mark. Guests and staff have reported strange occurrences, including a woman's voice and footsteps on the beach below, followed by crying. According to local legend, the ghost is that of a woman who, in a moment of desperation, threw herself and her baby into the bay. These tragic events have imprinted on the location, leading to numerous paranormal sightings and experiences.
Photographer's Ghostly Apparition
Dimbola Lodge, Freshwater
Dimbola Lodge, the former home of renowned photographer Julia Margaret Cameron, is said to be haunted by her ghostly presence. This beautiful Victorian house, nestled in the picturesque village of Freshwater on the Isle of Wight, has a rich history of paranormal activity. Cameron, one of the most important photographers of the Nineteenth Century, lived in the house from 1870 until her death in 1879. It's believed that her spirit still wanders the halls and rooms of Dimbola Lodge, perhaps revisiting old haunts and reliving fond memories.
The Flying Hare Phantom
Moortown Lane, Brighstone
Moortown Lane in Brighstone is where locals claim to have spotted a rather unusual ghostly apparition - a flying hare. This strange phenomenon is thought to have been conjured up by a cunning local smuggler, who wanted to keep curious onlookers away from his illicit activities. The story goes that the smuggler created this myth to deter people from meddling in his affairs, and it seems to have worked, at least for a while. The flying hare has become a fascinating footnote in the area's history, and those interested in the paranormal often find themselves drawn to this part of the Isle of Wight.
Maggie's Haunting at Three Bishops
Three Bishops Public House, Brighstone
The Three Bishops Public House in Brighstone, Isle of Wight, is home to a rather intriguing ghost story. Maggie, a former owner of the inn, is said to roam the premises, muttering under her breath and unlocking doors. Some claim she also appears by beds, slowly fading away into thin air. It's a curious case, with Maggie seemingly going about her business as if she's still in charge. The inn itself has a long history, previously being known as the New Inn, but it's Maggie's presence that really sets it apart.
The Vanishing Gibbet of Dodpits Cross
Dodpits Cross, Newbridge
Dodpits Cross is a spot where the ordinary and the bizarre collide. In October 1928, a young girl walking home encountered a gruesome sight - a gibbet with the body of a bearded man swinging from it. She ran off, and looking over her shoulder once more, realised that gibbet and man had vanished, replaced by the normal junction signpost. This chilling experience has left many wondering about the strange events that took place at this seemingly innocuous road junction.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Off coast

Albion Hotel
Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight

The Wight Mouse Inn
Chale, Isle of Wight

The Buddle Inn
Niton, Isle of Wight

The Union Inn
Cowes, Isle of Wight