The Fantome was a 1927 four masted sailing ship originally ordered for the Italian Navy but then purchased as a yacht for the Duke of Westminster. Nearly 700 tons and 282 ft, it was purchased in 1969 as the first ship for the Windjammer cruises.
In 1998, it was caught in a tropical storm that rapidly developed into the Category 5 hurricane Mitch. Whichever way the Fantome went, it seemed as if the hurricane changed direction to overtake the sailing ship. The Fantome sunk with all hands on October 27 as hurricane hunters recorded wind gusts of 208 mph.
In 1998, it was caught in a tropical storm that rapidly developed into the Category 5 hurricane Mitch. Whichever way the Fantome went, it seemed as if the hurricane changed direction to overtake the sailing ship. The Fantome sunk with all hands on October 27 as hurricane hunters recorded wind gusts of 208 mph.
