Ghost Ship Lady Catherine III Washes Ashore in Florida

A sailboat named The Lady Catherine III, dubbed the 'ghost ship,' washed ashore on Pensacola Beach, Florida, after its owner, Michael Barlow, abandoned it during a severe storm. Barlow and a friend faced dangerous conditions from Hurricane Alberto, which led to the loss of autopilot and engine control, forcing them to call for a Coast Guard rescue. The Coast Guard airlifted them from the vessel, which was later found stranded on the beach, drawing significant local attention. Barlow had intended to use the boat for family travels and scuba instruction but now faces hefty recovery or disposal costs and potential legal repercussions. Social media facilitated the identification of the boat and connected Barlow with local residents who discovered it. The incident echoes a similar case involving the MV Alta, another so-called 'ghost ship' that drifted for months before washing ashore in Ireland.