There was a widespread fear of witches among seafarers and those connected with the sea. Astrologers were consulted by insurance brokers in cases of mysterious disappearances of ships.
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| The North Berwick witches meet the Devil in a local Kirkyard |
In a number of witch trials evidence was taken concerning the bewitchment of ships and captains. One account tells of a woman who lent an old woman some money, taking a brass kettle for security, while awaiting passage from Amsterdam to England. The old woman was unable to repay the debt but demanded the return of the kettle. When the request was refused, the old woman cursed the ship. A bad storm hit the ship and the crew saw and old woman sitting on top of the mainmast. The captain urged the woman to let him throw the kettle into the sea. When this was done,
After this, the air cleared, the wind grew calm and the storm came to a stop.
'the witch dismount herself from the mast, goes aboord the brasse kettle and in a moment sails out of sight'.
After this, the air cleared, the wind grew calm and the storm came to a stop.
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