The Chiloé Archipelago is situated off the coast of Chile and the people who live on these islands are isolated from the mainland and are forced by circumstances to be independent and self-sufficient. Their island society evolved and developed around the natural resources of their environment and being island folk the sea is a big part of their lives.
They evolved their own ways of explaining the world which grew into their own unique mythology and folklore and many of the stories revolve around the sea. One of those stories tells how the sea is kept clear of the dead bodies of those who are drowned at sea who must sail for eternity on a ghostly ship the Chilote islanders call El Caleuche.
El Caleuche
This strange phantom ship is believed to be a living being that is always awake and on its guard against unwanted intruders. It appears as a shining white ship with three masts that carry five sails. Read more
Under the influence! 