Shadows on the Sea: The Maritime Mysteries of Britain

Neil Arnold examines reported mysteries from Britain’s coastline and surrounding waters, bringing together tales of phantom ships, haunted boats and vessels that appear and vanish. The book also considers unexplained lights and unidentified submarine-type objects witnessed at sea, alongside coastal hauntings and other maritime enigmas.

Sailors’ stories, fishermen’s tales and eyewitness accounts provide the basis for discussions of seafaring superstition, protective customs and folklore linked to Britain’s waters. Reports of mermaids, giant eels and other sea creatures are set beside traditions concerning unlucky words, omens and rituals, presenting the material as a record of maritime belief, testimony and enduring coastal legend.