Nor'easter uncovers possible 19th-century shipwreck along Massachusetts coast

The powerful nor’easter that swept up the East Coast this week may have uncovered a piece of what maritime experts believe may be the remains of a 19th-century shipwreck. 

As wind and rain carved away sections of Nantucket’s south shore, newly exposed pieces of timber appeared beneath the eroded sand, prompting fresh examination by local maritime researchers.  

Dig deeper:

Egan Maritime Institute said its exhibits and collections manager surveyed the site after the storm and filed a report with the Massachusetts Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources. 

What we don't know:

Researchers say the wreckage appears to match a vessel previously documented at the same location in 2022, though researchers have not confirmed its identity.  

What we know:

Based on the wreck’s position and visible features, David Robinson, director and chief archaeologist for the state board, said the most logical conclusion is that the debris belongs to the schooner Warren Sawyer. The ship wrecked near the location in December 22, 1884. Robinson reviewed video and photos provided by researchers but emphasized that an on-site inspection will be required before making a definitive identification. 

What they're saying:

"Her unfortunate end on the island’s south shore in 1884 is one of Nantucket’s most complete and remarkable stories of shoals, storms and rescue," said Charles Allard, director of Egan Maritime’s Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum.

Allard said the crew was rescued by the Surfside Life-Saving Station and wreckers later salvaged most of the ship’s cargo. Over the years, remnants of the wreck have periodically resurfaced, with the site known to reveal itself roughly every 20 years.

Big picture view:

More than 750 wrecks are believed to lie in the surrounding waters off the coast of Nantucket, earning the island a reputation as one of the "graveyards of the Atlantic," according to Egan Maritime. The group encouraged residents and visitors to observe but warned that removing or damaging artifacts is against the law. 

 

 

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