The vessel depict on this stamp is a phantom ship similar to the “Flying Dutchman”.
The legend apparently originated in the Chiloe Archipelago region and spread throughout Chile and does already exist for ages.
EL CALEUCHE is a full rigged ship whose crew denounced God. Because of this He would not allow her to sail around Cape Horn, besetting that place with strong adverse gales.
When she is seen she is under full sail during bad weather or foggy nights, always under full lights with the sound of a party on board. When she is seen she disappears very quickly.
The myths claim she is crewed with the drowned, which are brought to the ship by three mythological figures from Chiloe: two sisters: the “sirena chilota” (mermaid from Chiloe) and “la Pincoya” (a mythical sea creature shaped like a beautiful woman) and her brother “Pincoy” a male water spirit.
EL CALEUCHE is supposed to sail random among the islands of Chiloe and down to Tierra del Fuego. When she is seen, those who see her are doomed to disaster. If they are on board of a ship it is wrecked.
If they go aboard the phantom ship they go mad. But, strange as it may seem, some people are said to have gone on board and lived to tell the tale.
Unlike the “Flying Dutchman”, EL CALEUCHE sails perfectly without a soul on board, the steering wheel turning of its own accord. In both the officers and crews mess rooms, hot meals are laid out on the tables.
It is not known how old this legend is – it appears to be a product of the 19th century.
Prior to 1970 some native fishermen in the waters of Chiloe had a terrible fright when they thought they saw EL CALEUCHE. It turned out to be the schoolship ESMERALDA. It was night when they sighted her and her lights shining oh her sails gave the ship a spectral appearance.
Chile 15p sg1093, scott760b. also on $80 and $25 valued stamps.
Source: Mr. E.J. Hogan. http://the-daily-juice.blogspot.com/201 ... euche.html