Egan Maritime Institute Statement on South Shore Shipwreck News
Egan Maritime Institute’s Exhibits and Collections Manager has surveyed the site and has provided a Shoreline Heritage Identification Partnerships Strategy (SHIPS) report to the Massachusetts Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources (BUAR). In the upcoming days, we will work with the state as research continues to identify the wreck, but until then, we cannot confirm the ship’s identity with certainty.
At the moment, David Robinson, director and chief archaeologist for the Massachusetts Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources (BUAR), has reviewed video footage provided for the Nantucket Current and photos provided by Egan Maritime. He assessed that, given the wreckage's location, the most logical conclusion is that it is the same wreck Egan Maritime and BUAR identified in 2022 as partially preserved remains of the wrecked schooner Warren Sawyer. This cannot be confirmed until Robinson can visit the wreck.
The re-emergence of shipwrecks along the coast of Nantucket and the public’s fascination with these vessels speak to the importance of our maritime heritage. Nantucket is one of the “graveyards of the Atlantic,” with more than 750 wrecks estimated in the surrounding waters. Throughout history, the Massachusetts Humane Society, United States Life-Saving Service, and U.S. Coast Guard were instrumental in providing rescue and aid to sailors and passengers aboard these wrecks. Visit the Nantucket Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum to learn more.
While observing the wreck is encouraged, we remind the public that this is an archaeological site with historical significance. Under Massachusetts state law, it is illegal to remove, displace, damage, or destroy underwater archaeological resources. Do not walk over the wreck, dig at the site, or remove any materials.
In the News:
Shipwreck uncovered on Nantucket shore amid nor'easter storms - ABC
Nor’easter exposes possible 19th-century shipwreck off Nantucket - Northeast Arkansas News
Nor’easter unearths pieces of 19th-century shipwreck in Massachusetts - The Guardian
Possible 1884 shipwreck exposed by nor'easter on Nantucket: "It's still there"- CBS News
Nor'Easter Uncovers Large Shipwreck Fragment On Nantucket's South Shore - Nantucket Current
Storm re-exposes shipwreck on south shore - Nantucket Inquirer & Mirror