The Disappearance of Captain John Gray
A painting of the SS Great Britain in the 1800s. Image: Random Times
On the 25th November 1872 Captain John Gray returned to his bunk aboard the SS Great Britain complaining of stomach pain. He was never seen again.
Who was Captain John Gray?
Captain John Grey before his untimely death in 1872.
Captain John Gray was a well respected Captain of the SS Great Britain. He was known for his kindness and desire to please his passengers.
Mary Crompton, a passenger aboard the ship, expressed in her diary that the captain was an exceptionally kind individual, constantly seeking opportunities to enhance the comfort of his passengers.
Another passenger named Mr. Cholmley commented that the captain appeared to be the most well-liked captain at sea, as the passengers were willing to go to great lengths to please him.
Captain John Gray was said to suffer from extreme anxiety in the months leading up to his disappearance. Friends suspected it was due to his determination to uphold the ship's reputation amidst intense competition from more modern and swifter vessels operating on the same route. This anxiety manifested through different symptoms, including liver and stomach issues.
The Disappearance of Captain John Gray
On the night of November 25th to 26th, 1872,Captain John Gray inexplicably vanished from the SS Great Britain. The ship was part way on its voyage from Melbourne, marking thirty days into its journey back to Liverpool. Captain Gray's body was never recovered, leaving a lingering air of uncertainty.
It is presumed that he met his demise by either falling or intentionally leaping overboard. It was reported that on the night of his disappearance, Captain Gray retired to his cabin after complaining of abdominal discomfort. The last sighting of him occurred around midnight as he made his way towards the deck.
The following day, a window located at the stern of the ship was found open, despite having been securely locked the previous night. This detail fueled speculation about the circumstances surrounding Captain Gray's vanishing.
It was hoped that a potential clue lay in a letter he was witnessed writing on that ill-fated evening, but unfortunately, no trace of the letter was ever found. It remains a possibility that Captain Gray may have taken it with him into the depths, or perhaps it was taken by someone else.
With no means of communication to shore, the heartbreaking news of Captain Gray's fate reached his wife, Mary Ann (née Jamieson), only upon the ship’s arrival in Liverpool in January 1873.
Alongside one of their daughters, she anxiously awaited the ship's docking, unknowingly discovering her newfound widowhood. The devastating loss made headlines on the front pages of newspapers across the United Kingdom and Australia, leaving the maritime community and the public perplexed by the captain's disappearance.
Ghosts of the SS Great Britain
The SS Great Britain is now a Museum
Regardless of the circumstances surrounding his physical departure, persistent rumors suggest that the spirit of Captain John Gray continues to reside aboard his beloved vessel. Eerie occurrences have been attributed to his ghostly presence, lending an air of supernatural intrigue to the SS Great Britain.
Witnesses have reported hearing the distinct sound of heavy boots dragging along the deck and descending the stairs when no one is there. Doors on the ship have been observed mysteriously opening and closing without any discernible physical cause, leaving bystanders bewildered.
Captain John Gray is not the only ghost haunting the SS Great Britain, as multiple reports have emerged regarding other haunting entities dwelling within its confines. The ship's eerie atmosphere is said to be shared by various ghostly figures, each with their own tragic tales.
One such apparition is believed to be that of Mrs. Cohen, whose life was tragically cut short mere weeks after her wedding. Her spirit is said to linger within the ship, adding to the paranormal tapestry that envelops the vessel.
Another ghostly presence is that of a mariner who met his untimely demise after plummeting from the rigging. Witnesses have reported encountering this ethereal seafarer, wandering on the ships deck after dark.
Adding to the spectral ensemble is the presence of a nameless Victorian lady, accompanied by the apparition of a child.
Visitors and crew members who explore the SS Great Britain's corridors are discovering more ghostly sightings to this day. The ship's haunted reputation persists, attracting both the brave and the curious to see what spiritual mysteries they can unravel within the decks of SS Great Britain.
The ship is now listed as part of the UK’s National Historic Fleet. It currently resides in Bristol Harbor as a museum ship with between 150,000 and 200,000 visitors annually.
What do you think happened to Captain John Gray? Let us know in the comments.
If you enjoyed this article you might be interested in other spooky ships such as the MV Joyita or the Ghost Ship Jenny.
