What makes the tale of the Andelana particularly unique?

The Andelana's disappearance in 1899 is shrouded in mystery, as it vanished without a trace while anchored in Commencement Bay, making it the only ship to disappear that night despite a gale affecting many ships.

Where exactly did these events take place?

The events surrounding the Andelana occurred in Tacoma, Washington, particularly in Commencement Bay, which was a bustling port at the time.

Why is the story of the Andelana historically significant?

The story is significant as it reflects the maritime history of Tacoma and raises questions about curses, superstitions, and the dangers of seafaring during the late 19th century.

What can visitors see there today related to the Andelana?

Visitors can see a model of the Andelana made from materials salvaged from a tragic streetcar accident, displayed at the Foss Waterway Seaport Museum, along with artifacts like a deck light from the ship.

How was the story of the Andelana discovered or verified?

The story was pieced together through ship logs, historical accounts, and the testimonies of those connected to the ship, alongside the ongoing investigations into its mysterious disappearance.

Tacoma's Cursed Ghost Ship the Andelana

In this spine-tingling episode of "Rainy Day Rabbit Holes," we plunge into the depths of Tacoma’s haunting maritime history, guided by the charismatic Chris Staudinger, founder of Pretty Gritty Tours and author of *Secret Tacoma: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure*. As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp in the Pacific Northwest, our hosts Shea and Jody welcome Chris back to the podcast, dubbing him the “King of Tacoma” and “Wizard of Washington.” Together, they navigate the eerie waters surrounding the tragic tale of the Andelana, a ship that vanished without a trace in 1899, leaving behind a legacy steeped in mystery and misfortune.

The Andelana was no ordinary vessel. Commissioned out of Liverpool and boasting a massive 300-foot iron hull, it had a storied past, having navigated the treacherous routes from Africa to China. However, its final journey to Tacoma would prove fateful. Chris shares that as the ship docked, half its crew mysteriously vanished into the night, echoing a reputation that had long plagued the Andelana: it was considered cursed. The captain, George Stalling, in a desperate bid to boost morale, commissioned a photograph of the remaining crew, unaware that it would be the last image captured of them alive.

As night fell over Commencement Bay, a sudden gale swept through, and the next morning, the Andelana was gone—its only markers, two massive logs that had been chained to its sides, left adrift. Chris details the chaotic scene of Tacoma’s bustling waterfront in the late 19th century, a stark contrast to the eerie calm that followed the ship's disappearance. The episode delves into various theories surrounding its fate—was it a tragic accident, or something more sinister?

Listeners will find themselves captivated as Chris recounts chilling tales of the ship's cursed crew, including the young sailor Richard Hansa, who held a protective talisman that would ultimately save him from the ship’s dark legacy. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Chris introduces the unsettling story of a young girl, allegedly abducted aboard the Andelana, whose fate intertwines with the ship’s ghostly lore. Her tragic demise and the haunting presence she left behind serve as a sobering reminder of the darker chapters of Tacoma's history, including the era's rampant human trafficking.

As the podcast unfolds, Chris shares spine-tingling anecdotes about the ship’s ghostly remnants, including the allure of its sunken treasure that has claimed the lives of every diver that attempted to uncover its secrets. The Andelana’s story is woven with tales of tragedy, the supernatural, and unyielding mystery, compelling listeners to question what truly lies beneath the waters of Commencement Bay.

With its rich tapestry of history and haunting tales, this episode is a perfect blend of the macabre and the mysterious, making it a must-listen for anyone fascinated by Tacoma's hidden secrets. Whether you're a local or a history buff, join Shea, Jody, and Chris as they uncover the enigmatic legacy of the Andelana, a tale that reminds us that some mysteries are meant to remain unsolved.

So, grab your headphones, settle in, and prepare to explore the shadowy corners of Tacoma's past. Don’t miss this chilling episode of "Rainy Day Rabbit Holes," where history meets the supernatural, and the past is never truly buried.

In this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, Shea and Jody are joined by Tacoma historian and tour guide Chris Staudinger of Pretty Gritty Tours to unravel the chilling mystery of Tacoma’s “ghost ship.” From tales of curses and unlucky sailors to divers who met their doom, the Andelana’s story is one of tragedy, unanswered questions, and eerie persistence.

But the ship’s curse doesn’t stop with its sinking. The legend ties into eerie paranormal accounts — including the infamous tale of an eyeless ghost girl said to wander Tacoma’s historic streets. Along the way, we explore the city’s haunted history, connections to human trafficking, and the way folklore preserves Tacoma’s darker past.

If you love ghost stories, maritime mysteries, and local legends that linger in the shadows, this is one you won’t want to miss.