Mermaids don't even exist
It is called a figure-head and it doesn't have to be a mermaid, can be pretty well almost anything.
A large ship
The mermaid on the front of a ship is commonly referred to as a "figurehead." Figureheads were traditionally carved wooden sculptures that adorned the bow of ships, often depicting mythological figures like mermaids, to symbolize protection and good fortune during voyages. They served both decorative and practical purposes, helping to identify the ship and instill a sense of pride among the crew.
HMS Mermaid
No ship-wright ever build a ship with the intention of it being used as a pirate ship. (excepting the military of course). Figure-heads use to be a common feature of most ships as an appeasement to the spirits of the sea, sea Gods, ect. A mermaid was for a time a popular fashion but was in no means the only motif for a figure head.
in the fishermans island naer linebeks ship
the front part of a ship the front part of a ship
The homophone for "front of ship" is "bow".
The Front part of a boat or ship is known as the Bow.
The front part of a ship is called the bow.
She died because a ship crashed into her. She was in between a rock and the ship.
The front of a ship is called the bow or the prow.
guppy