Author & Storyteller

Drawing on her background in writing, research, and education, Wendy Koile brings to life incredible but true stories from maritime history and true crime. For over two decades, she has uncovered and shared riveting tales of lost history, miraculous survivals, and criminal mischief on the high seas. Specializing in little-known and obscure events, Wendy captivates audiences with fascinating narratives that intrigue and entertain.

With experience as both an educator and presenter for the past decade, Wendy delivers engaging, informative programs that leave a lasting impression. Her storytelling ensures passengers enjoy a one-of-a-kind cruising experience filled with unforgettable tales from the deep.

Qualifications:

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
Master of Arts in English (MAE)
Traditionally Published Author

1. Wicked Women of the Seas
Not all crimes on the high seas were the work of black-bearded pirates. Many times, women took to the waters to carry out their own sinister schemes. From cunning bootleggers and masterful con artists to ruthless murderers, these women proved to be just as—if not more—devious than their male counterparts. Explore the dark and daring stories of the wicked women who ruled the waves with cunning and cruelty.

2. Messages in Bottles: Letters from The Sea
For centuries, people have cast messages into the ocean, hoping their words would one day reach distant shores. Whether sent as an S.O.S., a plea for love, or a playful hoax, these notes—some heartbreaking farewells, others whimsical love stories or scientific experiments—offer a rare, tangible connection to the past, long before the digital age. Explore real-life stories of messages in bottles—some lost for decades before being found, others traveling thousands of miles across the sea. From the Titanic’s final farewell to a love story that captured the nation’s heart, uncover the historical significance, surprising connections, and mysteries carried by these floating time capsules. Join us for a journey into the remarkable tales behind these messages from the past.

3. When the Lights Go Out: Creepy Lighthouse Tales
Lighthouses are meant to guide sailors to safety, shining as beacons of hope. Yet, these towering structures are also home to countless eerie tales of mysterious disappearances, madness, and even murder. In this chilling program, discover the haunting story of a slain keeper who won’t leave his post, the baffling disappearance of two lightkeepers, and a secret love affair turned deadly within the lonely walls of these isolated beacons. Step into the shadowy world where darkness and mystery lurk just beyond the light.

4. Lost Treasures of the Caribbean: Legends of Sunken Riches
The Caribbean is not only known for its turquoise waters and white sandy beaches but also for its hidden treasures lost beneath the waves. From pirate plunder to sunken ships laden with gold, these islands are rich in legendary stories of fortune and mystery. In this fascinating program, we’ll explore the untold tales of lost Caribbean treasures—ships that vanished without a trace, pirates' hoards still waiting to be discovered, and the modern-day quests to unearth these priceless relics.

5. Islands of Terror: Not Your Average Port of Call
While most islands are known for their sun-soaked beaches and crystal-clear waters, some hide dark and chilling secrets. From cursed shores and abandoned asylums to eerie shipwrecks and islands where the dead outnumber the living, these true tales reveal the sinister side of paradise. Prepare for a journey into the unknown—where beauty meets terror, and every wave carries a ghostly whisper.

6. What Lies Beneath: Bizarre Items Found Underwater
We’re all familiar with the sunken ships and strange sea creatures that dwell beneath the waves, but what about abandoned prisons or rusted locomotives? How did these unexpected items end up at the bottom of the ocean—and why? This program takes you on a deep dive into the ocean’s depths to uncover the oddities and mysterious relics hidden beneath the surface. Explore a world where the unusual and the unexplained only add to the allure and intrigue of the underwater realm.

7. Titanic's Legacy: The Influence on Modern-Day Cruises
The tragic sinking of the Titanic in 1912 forever changed the world of maritime travel, shaping the modern cruise industry in ways that still resonate today. This program explores how the Titanic's design, safety protocols, and luxurious amenities set the stage for the cruise ships we know now. From the introduction of stricter safety regulations to the evolution of onboard luxury and entertainment, discover how the legacy of this ill-fated voyage continues to influence the way we sail the seas. Join us as we uncover the profound impact of the Titanic on today’s cruise industry and its lasting imprint on modern-day ocean travel.

8. Sailing Through Time: The Changing Customs, Styles, and Experiences of Cruising
Cruising has evolved dramatically over the centuries, with customs, styles, and onboard experiences shifting to match the times. In this engaging program, we’ll explore how everything from fashion and dining to entertainment and social norms has transformed throughout the ages. From the formal, elegant dinners of early ocean liners to the relaxed, all-inclusive resorts at sea, we’ll examine the changes that have made cruising a dynamic, ever-evolving experience. Join us as we chart the course of how cruise culture has adapted to the desires and expectations of travelers, reflecting broader societal changes along the way.

9. The SS Morro Castle: Tragedy, Conspiracy, and the Mystery That Lingers
The SS Morro Castle disaster of 1934 remains one of the most baffling and tragic events in maritime history. Officially ruled an accident, the fire that claimed 137 lives aboard the ocean liner has long been surrounded by theories and suspicions. Was it simply a tragic accident, or is there more to the story? I Uncover the secrets behind the fire, the unanswered questions, and the eerie events that have continued to haunt the legacy of this doomed ship.

10. The Lady of the Dunes: A Murder in Cape Cod
Nearly fifty years ago, a mutilated body was discovered in the sand dunes of Cape Cod, sparking a murder investigation. The biggest challenge for investigators, however, was one they couldn't solve—no one knew the identity of the Lady of the Dunes. Now, with the help of modern technology, her name has finally been uncovered, and her murder solved. Join us as we explore the clues, the long-running investigation, and the mystery that haunted this small beach town for decades in the case known as the Lady of the Dunes.