July 11, 1881
HMS Inconstant
"At 4 a.m., the Flying Dutchman crossed our bows. A strange red light as of a phantom ship all aglow, in the midst of which light the masts, spars, and sails of a brig 200 yards distant stood out in strong relief as she came up on the port bow. The lookout man on the forecastle reported her as close on the port bow, where also the officer of the watch from the bridge clearly saw her..."
— Based on the actual royal diaries of Prince George (later King George V).
March 18, 1939
Glencairn Beach, South Africa
"Dozens of bathers and onlookers stood frozen on the sand, pointing towards the turbulent horizon. A massive sailing vessel of an antiquated design was cutting through the violent swells without a single crewman visible on deck. Despite the heavy winds blowing from the southeast, the ship moved swiftly in the opposite direction. Just as it neared the jagged rocks, it dissolved into the coastal fog."
October 4, 1942
U-Boat Encounter (Unverified)
"Surfaced for air in the dead of night. Radar showed nothing, but the watchman yelled in terror. A colossal galleon drifted silently mere meters from our starboard side. Its timber looked rotten, dripping with black seawater. No sound of water breaking against its hull could be heard. It was as if we were looking at a projection from hell itself. We submerged immediately."