Cold Cases: Case 6: The Haunting of HMS Asp

Cold Cases: Case 6: The Haunting of HMS Asp

From Uncanny by BBC Radio 4

May 12, 2026 · 28 min

About this episode

Danny Robins investigates the haunting of HMS Asp during a mid-19th century mission.

It’s the mid-19th century, and HMS Asp is on a routine mission charting the British coastline for the Royal Navy. But strange sounds and a ghostly apparition unsettle the crew, far away from the safety of shore. As fear spreads among the men whispers of a haunting take hold. Is this the strain of isolation playing tricks on the mind? Do the crew have cabin fever - or could someone, or something, be moving below decks? Danny Robins investigates, with Evelyn Hollow and Dr Ciaràn O'Keeffe. Presented by Danny Robins Experts: Evelyn Hollow and Dr Ciaran O’Keeffe Story sections by Victoria Lloyd Research by Nancy Bottomley and John West Filming and editing by Robb Leech Editing and sound design by Charlie Brandon-King Theme music by Katherine Priddy Theme co-produced by Jennifer Ann Keller Incidental music by Evelyn Sykes Commissioning executive: Paula McDonnell Commissioning editor: Rhian Roberts Produced by Simon Barnard and Victoria Lloyd A Bafflegab and Uncanny Media production for BBC Radio 4

People in this episode

Host: Danny Robins

Guests: Evelyn Hollow, Dr Ciaràn O'Keeffe

Topics covered

  • ghost stories
  • naval history
  • hauntings
  • 19th century
  • psychological effects
  • isolation

Keywords

  • HMS Asp
  • haunting
  • ghostly apparition
  • Royal Navy
  • crew
  • cabin fever
  • Danny Robins
  • Evelyn Hollow
  • Dr Ciaràn O'Keeffe

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC Radio 4, Bafflegab, Uncanny Media

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