This story or a variation appeared in a movie or book I came across recently about a fishing village that makes extra money by boiling seawater for salt. The fires serve another purpose - to lure ships onto the rocks so that the villagers can claim salvage rights.

One night they find a wreck with all its occupants dead. All are dressed in red. The villagers distribute the goods and clothing share for share then all fall ill. Seems the dead passengers had been plague carriers put to sea to get them out of their native towns.

Anyone recognize the tale? I will drive myself crazy trying to find the source.