Sailing advice from a mermaid

The Great Storm of 1703. No artist mentioned for this super engraving.

Superstition of the Sailor.

Sailors have in general a very proper sense of religion, though often strongly tinctured with superstition. They believe in mermaids, ghosts, and goblins; and the story of the devil taking the ship's broker into Mount Stromboli is received by them as a fact. They have a great idea of the transmigration of souls, as far as relates to the Simia tribe, many of whom they believe to be captains of Guineamen in a state of punishment.

I was assured by a north-sea pilot, in conformation of his belief in mermaids, that in the great gale of 1702, when so many colliers were lost on the east coast of England, one of the fleet was saved by the kind interference of a mermaid, who hailed her by name in the following prophetic words: -

"Sea Adventure! Sea Adventure! Clew up all your sails and let go your sheet anchor:" the prudent master took the warning, and saved the ship.

Seamen will never throw a cat overboard; nor whistle, for fear of bringing on a gale - either of these causes having been known to produce the most serious effects. A horse-shoe is almost invariably nailed to the foremast, both in the King's and merchant service, to keep away the witches, of whom the Norway breed are supposed to be by far the most mischievous. -- United Service Gazette.

 In the Worcester Herald, Saturday 4th May 1833.

How do mermaids know about sailing a ship, I wonder? Also this one knew how to read the name of the ship, which was handy.  

If I were to take this allegedly 130 year old tale (at the time) unnecessarily literally, and believe the captain really did hear a voice - perhaps he did hear a voice from inside his head telling him what to do in his state of extreme stress. (Is that replacing one fortean thing with another controversial idea?)

Also I am glad seamen don't throw cats overboard, it seems a mean thing to do.