I have always been a huge believer in the RMS Queen Mary’s innate yet uncanny ability in uniting people that are meant to cross paths. I cannot begin to tell you how many times this has happened ever since the ship was built in 1934. There is something beautifully mystical about this glorious liner; in many ways, it’s hard to completely explain it in words.
Just recently, I was a guest on Tony Ashlin’s popular Paranormal Shipwalk tour aboard the Queen Mary. As the group was situated in the R Deck forward area, he proceeded to share a few examples of the liner’s ability to bring people together. Goose bumps and a general loving feeling came about my body as he began to share how an elderly ship guest spiritually felt the presence of her grandfather while aboard the vessel’s decks.
Tragically, this woman’s grandpa perished in the World War II HMS Curacoa incident that occurred on October 2, 1942. The Curacoa was a World War I vessel responsible for escorting the Queen Mary throughout her wartime duties. At around 2:00 p.m., a slight bump was felt on the larger liner as it plowed straight through the Curacoa. Sadly, over 300 British sailors aboard the smaller liner either drowned or were coerced underneath the Mary and dismembered by her large propellers.
There is an area in the very forward spot of R Deck that is steeped in sadness. Occasionally, the disembodied men’s cries for help can be heard from the exact spot the Queen Mary hit and sliced through her escort vessel – most likely a residual paranormal phenomenon. I have heard these ghostly cries while researching this area, as well as in the forward cargo hold space. It’s utterly tragic. Whenever I visit R Deck Forward, I always say a prayer and let the Curacoa sailors know that they don’t have to suffer any longer; there’s a beautiful, peaceful place for them full of eternal love. I like to think that my words bring comfort and solace to them. Hopefully, they do.
This elderly woman was in this area when she felt the presence of her grandfather. However, she wasn’t aware that the Queen Mary was the exact vessel that hit and sliced through the Curacoa. It was only after Tony began to share the historical chronicles of this horrifying accident that this woman began to piece the puzzle together. Indeed, she was shocked. I believe the legendary Queen Mary served as a liaison, helping her to feel her loving grandfather’s spirit. Perhaps, he came to her to let her know that he is at peace.
Another story shared how a woman felt the presence of her dad, who also served in World War II. In fact, many people feel the presence of their departed loved ones whether they had a connection to the Queen Mary or not. About two years ago, while walking along the Promenade Deck’s portside toward the stern, I suddenly felt the spirit of my grandfather, Andrew F. Lopinto, M.D., as he strolled right beside me in spirit form. Andrew never sailed on the grand liner; however, he did serve in World War II as a Lieutenant Commander and Medical Officer aboard the USS Ormsby.
I am a member of the Clan Mary Facebook group, a cohesive unit of great friends with a unifying passion: ships, ships and more ships! Especially the RMS Queen Mary. I joined this group a few years ago and am completely blessed to know each and every person in the group. We often get together aboard the liner for lunch or dinner, anniversary events, birthday parties, etc. Yes, I truly believe that the Queen Mary brought us all together.
No words can definitively explain the ship’s ability to unify people who are destined to meet. It’s her secret formula – not meant to be completely disclosed. There is indeed, a special ingredient in her menu of mysticism that allows her to accomplish this important task. We must honor it. We must respect it. It’s one of the many qualities that makes the RMS Queen Mary the most celebrated liner in all of maritime history.
Long Live the Queen!
Nicole Strickland
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