Question

We should always consider Multiple Working Hypotheses; i.e., we should always consider alternative explanations, and not simply latch onto the first one we hear, or the one that seems the most fun to believe. And, if we’re being asked to accept an extraordinary claim, we must look for ordinary (prosaic) explanations that might account for the events. With this in mind, what prosaic natural or human explanations can you suggest that might account for the disappearance of Mary Celeste’s crew? List 3 prosaic alternatives below:

a)

b)

c)

Answer 1

a) As it was examined that the ship had some marks of wear and tear which hints that there could have been some kind of natural disaster like very high tides and  therefore leading to some minor damage to the ship which could have led to believe the crew that the ship might sink and therfore used the lifeboat but could not make it to the shore.

b)Another alternative is that there could have been a small explosion because of the industrial alcohol that could have grew tension in the crew members that this could be fatal and hence forcing them to use the lifeboats ,The rope attaching the boat to the ship may have then come undone and then leaving them in the amidst of the big sea

c)One more explanation could be that the ship crew could have faked that they had been attacked by the pirates and got killed so that they could receive the salvage money