I had the same "Error" too ..
I just had the luck of saving before exiting the asylumn. So i got the horn from the girl, ran to the tavern. Talked to him, the started an conversation in the middle of the room with him talking to an invisible Pirate Chief. And if you wanted to talk to him, he doesnt answered ?
I think its the same as i had. I tried it a few times ( about 9, 10 times ) and then finally i got to the ship. So just try and try ..
Hope i could helped you ..
Warlock762