A viral post claimed a 1700s-era ghost ship washed ashore near St. Augustine, Florida, after Hurricane Milton. Investigations by maritime experts and fact-checking outlets revealed that the ship in the image is actually the Flying Dutchman, a prop from the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' movies, previously displayed at Disney's Castaway Cay. The post was identified as satire from the Facebook page Casper Planet, known for humorous content.
A recent viral Facebook post claimed that a perfectly preserved ghost ship from the 1700s washed ashore near St. Augustine, Florida, in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. This claim sparked widespread curiosity and skepticism online, leading to various investigations by experts and fact-checking agencies to verify the authenticity of the claim.
The Facebook page Casper Planet posted an image of an old ship, claiming it was a 1700s ghost ship that surfaced following Hurricane Milton. The post quickly went viral, amassing thousands of shares and comments. Many social media users questioned the authenticity of the image, noting discrepancies such as the vibrancy of the water, which did not match the typical coastal features of St. Augustine[1].
Maritime archaeologist Chuck Meide and other experts quickly debunked the notion of a fully intact 1700s ship appearing intact due to natural degradation processes in Florida waters. Fact-checking organizations like Snopes and First Coast News confirmed that the image was of the Flying Dutchman, a prop from the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' films, previously stationed at Disney's Castaway Cay[2].
The post was later revealed to be satirical, originating from Casper Planet, a page known for its humorous and sometimes misleading content. This incident highlights the challenges of distinguishing between satire and misinformation, especially on platforms like Facebook where context is often missing. The spread of this fictional story underscores the importance of verifying sensational claims before sharing them[3].
The tale of a 1700s ghost ship in Florida was a blend of digital creativity and historical allure, leading to a viral but ultimately false narrative. It serves as a reminder of the power of social media to spread misinformation rapidly and the critical need for skepticism and verification in the digital age.
"The ship depicted is completely intact, and you just don't get that. In Florida waters, you know, we have warm water most of the year and we have critters like ship worms and other things that eat up the wood of shipwrecks." - Chuck Meide