The USS North Carolina, docked in Wilmington, North Carolina, is not only a monument to its storied past in World War II but also a notorious haunted hotspot. As one of the most decorated battleships of its time, it participated in every major naval offensive in the Pacific Theater. However, along with its battle honors, the ship carries tales of tragedy, leading many to believe it remains haunted by the spirits of those who served and died aboard.

The Haunted History

Commissioned in 1941, the USS North Carolina fought in key naval battles such as the Eastern Solomons and the Philippine Sea, where it earned 15 battle stars. However, its brushes with death began early. In September 1942, a Japanese torpedo struck the ship, killing five sailors instantly. This incident, along with other wartime losses, is said to have seeded the paranormal phenomena reported today.

The torpedo strike marked the beginning of the ship’s association with death and tragedy. As the vessel continued its service throughout the war, more lives were lost to accidents, illness, and combat. Each casualty seemed to leave an indelible mark on the ship’s spiritual energy, creating what many paranormal investigators now consider a powerful nexus of supernatural activity.

Ghostly Apparitions and Strange Occurrences

One of the most famous spirits aboard the ship is “Charlie,” believed to be a sailor who perished during the war. Visitors frequently report seeing a shadowy figure dressed in a sailor’s uniform, particularly near the ship’s guns or wandering the passageways. Apparitions of other sailors, including a young blonde man, have been spotted, and unexplained phenomena such as moving objects, phantom footsteps, and disembodied voices are common. The engine room and the area near the torpedo strike are particularly active, with visitors often feeling cold spots or sensing a malevolent presence watching them.

The ship’s sick bay is another hotspot for paranormal activity. Investigators have documented unexplained noises—like taps on metal—and several have reported feelings of unease in this area. The eerie silence that dominates these parts of the ship, interrupted by sudden inexplicable sounds, leads many to believe that some spirits, particularly those who perished from injuries aboard the ship, are unable to move on.

The cramped corridors and dimly lit compartments of the battleship seem to amplify the sense of otherworldly presence. Visitors have reported hearing the sounds of battle stations being called, phantom alarms ringing, and the echoes of running footsteps during otherwise quiet moments. Some even claim to have smelled burning oil or gunpowder, though no physical source for these scents could be found.

Late at night, when the last tourists have departed, security guards have reported seeing figures in period naval uniforms walking the deck, only to disappear when approached. The mess hall occasionally rings with the sounds of phantom conversations and laughter, as if the ship’s long-departed crew has gathered for a meal.

Modern-Day Investigations

Today, the USS North Carolina serves as both a museum and a destination for paranormal enthusiasts. Regular ghost hunting events are held aboard, where visitors report light anomalies, electrical malfunctions, and even interactions with spirits. Many investigators have captured compelling evidence, such as EVP recordings (electronic voice phenomena) and shadowy figures caught on camera.

These investigations have revealed patterns in the paranormal activity. The ship seems most active during significant anniversaries, particularly around the date of the torpedo strike. Equipment failures are common during investigations, with batteries inexplicably draining and electronic devices malfunctioning. Some researchers theorize that the spirits draw energy from these devices to manifest or communicate.

For those fascinated by history and the supernatural, the USS North Carolina offers a unique experience. Its decks not only tell the story of a nation at war but also whisper of the spirits that may still linger, unable to leave behind their tragic past.

References: Amy’s Crypt, Haunted Rooms, Haunted Places to Go, Our Paranormal World

Main Image:
The decommissioned USS North Carolina (BB-55) being towed up the Cape Fear River, Wilmington, NC, October 1961.
Photo by U.S. Navy, published in U.S. Navy All Hands magazine, December 1961.
Public Domain.
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:USS_North_Carolina_(BB-55)_being_towed_up_Cape_Fear_River.jpg