Ras, I thought your previous query was regarding the early removal of sets from the Playmobil US site, whereas Cachalote is asking why some sets which never appear in the official catalogue ARE available through the US website.
I would guess in the latter case, the sets may have gone to Target on a sale or return basis, and as they didn't sell well enough, Playmo have a bunch back which they are now knocking out on the cheap.
I don't like the colour of the ship's deck in this set so I won't be buying one regardless of how cheap it is.