The Carroll A. Deering Crew Mysterious Disappearance (1921)

The disappearance of the crew of the Carroll A. Deering is one of the most baffling maritime mysteries in history.

The ship, found abandoned off the coast of North Carolina in 1921, left behind no trace of its crew, sparking numerous theories and speculations.

In this article, we will explore the details of the incident, the location of the mystery, the various accounts and leads, and the stories that locals and investigators have shared. This unsolved case continues to perplex experts, adding to the long list of unexplained disappearances at sea.

Overview of Carroll A. Deering

The Carroll A. Deering was a five-masted schooner built in Bath, Maine, in 1919. It was a sturdy and well-built vessel, designed for cargo transport. In August 1920, it set sail on a trip from Norfolk, Virginia, to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, carrying coal. Its captain, William Merritt, had fallen ill shortly before the journey began and was replaced by Captain Willis Wormell, a 66-year-old seasoned seaman. The ship had a crew of ten men, including experienced sailors.

After delivering its cargo in Brazil, the Deering began its return journey to the U.S., but it would never complete that trip.

What happened during the return voyage remains one of the greatest maritime mysteries.

Location of the Incident Carroll A. Deering

The Carroll A. Deering was last seen in good condition near Cape Lookout, North Carolina.

The ship ran aground on Diamond Shoals, a dangerous stretch of shallow waters off the Outer Banks, North Carolina. Diamond Shoals is known for its treacherous conditions and is often referred to as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic” due to the number of shipwrecks that have occurred there over the centuries.

When the Carroll A. Deering was discovered, it was resting on the shoals with no crew aboard. The ship was intact, but the sails were up, and there were no signs of struggle or distress. The crew had simply vanished, leaving behind an empty vessel.

What Was the Disappearance Case Of Carroll A. Deering?

On January 31, 1921, the U.S. Coast Guard discovered the Carroll A. Deering stuck on the shoals. A rescue party was sent to investigate the ship, and what they found was chilling:

1. The entire crew was missing.
2. The ship’s galley showed evidence of a meal that had been recently prepared, but no one was there to eat it.
3. The lifeboats were missing, and personal belongings of the crew were still aboard, raising more questions.

The case became a puzzle because of the strange signs that the rescue team noticed on the ship:

• There were no signs of violence or struggle.
• The navigational equipment, logs, and other important items had been removed from the ship, suggesting that the crew left in an orderly fashion, but why they did so is unknown.

Incidents Leading to the Carroll A. Deering’s Disappearance

The events that led to the abandonment of the Carroll A. Deering are shrouded in mystery. There were a few strange occurrences in the days leading up to the discovery of the abandoned ship.

1. On January 28, 1921, the Deering was spotted near Cape Lookout Lightship, where the lightship’s keeper, Captain Jacobson, reported seeing a man on the Deering’s deck who shouted that the ship had lost its anchors and needed help. However, the lightship was unable to assist the Deering due to weather conditions.
2. Captain Jacobson later reported that the man on the Deering did not appear to be Captain Wormell and that the crew seemed to be acting suspiciously. This sighting raised concerns about what might have been happening aboard the ship, but it was the last known contact with the Deering before it was found grounded on Diamond Shoals.

Leads and Theories: What Happened to the Crew?

Several theories have been proposed to explain the disappearance of the crew of the Carroll A. Deering. However, none of these theories have provided conclusive answers. Below are the most prominent theories surrounding the case:

1. Pirates

One of the earliest theories was that the crew fell victim to piracy. The early 20th century saw numerous instances of piracy along shipping routes, especially near the Caribbean and South American waters. It is possible that the Deering encountered pirates who forced the crew to abandon the ship or killed them and stole the valuables. However, no evidence of violence or theft was found on the ship.

2. Mutiny

Another theory suggests that the crew may have mutinied against Captain Wormell. There were reports that Captain Wormell and some crew members did not get along well, and tensions may have escalated during the journey. If a mutiny occurred, the crew might have abandoned the captain and left the ship. However, if this were the case, it is unclear why the entire crew vanished, rather than some members being found alive.

3. Severe Weather or Natural Disaster

The Outer Banks region is notorious for rough seas, unpredictable storms, and dangerous currents. Some speculate that the crew abandoned the Deering due to severe weather conditions or a natural disaster. They may have taken to the lifeboats, hoping to reach shore, but perished in the rough seas. However, the ship was found in relatively calm conditions, and there were no immediate signs of a storm.

4. Foreign Espionage or Communist Sabotage

In the aftermath of World War I and during the rise of Communism, some theories suggested that the crew may have been victims of foreign espionage or sabotage. Theories of Communist sabotage were popular at the time, as there was growing fear of radical movements. Some speculated that the Deering may have been targeted for political reasons, but again, no evidence supports this claim.

5. The Bermuda Triangle Connection

While not geographically located within the Bermuda Triangle, some conspiracy theories have linked the Deering’s disappearance to the mysterious region known for strange occurrences, including missing ships and planes. The idea is that some unknown force, perhaps magnetic or supernatural, caused the crew to disappear. However, this theory remains purely speculative and lacks any scientific basis.

Local Stories and Folklore on Carroll A. Deering

The mystery of the Carroll A. Deering has sparked numerous stories and legends, especially among the local communities along the Outer Banks.

The region, with its history of shipwrecks and maritime tragedies, is home to many ghost stories and tales of the supernatural. Some locals believe that the crew of the Deering may have fallen victim to a curse or ghostly spirits that haunt the waters near Diamond Shoals.

The “Graveyard of the Atlantic” has long been associated with eerie occurrences, and some believe that the crew might have encountered something supernatural, which led to their disappearance. While there is no evidence to support such claims, the folklore surrounding the area has only added to the mystery.

Investigations and Findings of Carroll A. Deering

In the aftermath of the disappearance, a full investigation was launched by the U.S. government. The FBI, the Coast Guard, and other authorities examined the ship and conducted extensive searches in the surrounding waters for any sign of the crew or the missing lifeboats. Despite their efforts, no trace of the crew was ever found.

In 1922, the U.S. government officially closed the investigation without any definitive conclusion. The disappearance of the Carroll A. Deering’s crew was declared unsolved, and it remains one of the greatest maritime mysteries in history.

Theories from Modern Investigators

In more recent years, maritime historians and investigators have revisited the case of the Carroll A. Deering.

1. Some have suggested that the ship may have encountered a problem with its steering or navigational equipment, which led the crew to believe they were in danger. Faced with this potential disaster, the crew may have abandoned the ship in lifeboats, hoping to reach shore.
2. Others have speculated that the Deering was part of a larger pattern of ship disappearances in the region during that time. A number of vessels went missing or were found abandoned in the early 1920s, leading to theories of organized crime or piracy operating in the area.

However, no clear evidence has emerged to link these disappearances to the Deering.

Conclusion

The disappearance of the Carroll A. Deering’s crew remains an enduring mystery. Despite extensive investigations, numerous theories, and ongoing interest from historians and maritime experts, the fate of the crew is still unknown. The story of the Deering has become a part of maritime folklore, with locals and sailors sharing stories about the ghost ship that ran aground with no one aboard.

• The Jalisco Mass Disappearance and Unsolved Mystery (2013)
• The Carroll A. Deering Crew Mysterious Disappearance (1921)
• Patricia Meehan Strange Disappearance & Unsolved Missing Person Case (1989)
• The Disappearance of the Ghost Ship Kaz II (2007)
• The SS Waratah & It’s Mysterious Disappearance (1909)