ESL Reading: free graded reading materials for English language learners

The mystery of the Mary Celeste

part 2 Ghost Ship

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Moorehouse has known Captain Briggs for many years. 'He's a good sailor,' he tells his criew. 'Captain Briggs wouldn’t allow his ship to drift like that. We need to investigate. Organise a boarding party.'

The boarding party consists of the first mate and two other men. They sail out towards the other ship in a small boat.

As they get closer to the Mary Celeste all conversation stops. Something is clearly wrong.

'Where is everyone?' one man whispers

No answer


The deck of Celeste is completely deserted. There are no signs of life.

The men from the Dei Gratia board the ship. ‘Ahoy there!’ they call out. ‘Is anyone here?’


But there's no answer. Captain Briggs is not on board. Nor are his wife and daughter. Nor are his seven crew.

‘They’ve all gone,’ says the first mate. ‘It’s like a ghost ship

CONTINUED    1    2  What happened? >

Free graded reading materials for English language learners

Before You Read *Part 1 * Part 2 * Legends * Facts * Theories
Witness * Video * Activities * Matching Exercise * Modern 'Mary Celeste' yacht