Dark Voyage by Helen Susan Swift

In 1914, fear and paranoia rule the high seas. Young Iain Cosgrove sets sail for a research trip aboard Lady Balgay, the last of Dundee’s once-grand sealing fleet.

Fueled by rum and the crew's eerie tales, they obsess over ancient superstitions, which Iain dismisses as simple lore - until they reach the frigid Arctic seas.

Soon, Iain begins to question his beliefs. But none of them are prepared for what they are about to face in the frigid, dark waters of the north.