KEY WEST, Fla. — Coast Guard crewmen boarded the ghost ship G/S Flying Dutchman last week on suspicion of unauthorized haunting as well as having an expired life raft, according to Lt. j.g. Kevin Thomas, a spokesman for District Seven Command Center. Webb says the vessel violated the Coastal Association of Specter and Poltergeist Evaluation Regulations, and also had less than the minimum personal flotation devices.

“Coast Guard examiners determined that key safety procedures were inadequate and the crew did not have the necessary permits to safely haunt in navigable waters," said Lt. Cdr. Stuart Wetherby, the USCG chief of prevention at Sector Key West. “We will continue to work with the vessel's crew and the appropriate authorities to ensure that the issues found are corrected before the vessel resumes operations.”

The Flying Dutchman was located some 45 nautical miles northeast of Fort Zachary Taylor, in the vicinity of the Fleming Key, preparing for prime haunting activity when Coast Guard Cutter Key Biscayne came across the vessel while on a routine patrol around the outer islands.