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Schooner Lawrence N. McKenzie Reemerges at Island Beach State Park

Officials warn visitors not to disturb the exposed remains.

Overview

  • Rough surf, strong winds and shifting sand uncovered the 98.2‑foot schooner’s timbers rather than washing the wreck ashore.
  • New Jersey State Parks identified the vessel, built in 1883 with a Provincetown homeport, which wrecked on March 21, 1890 while carrying oranges from Puerto Rico to New York City.
  • Park staff are monitoring the site, and removing natural or historic resources is prohibited and can result in fines from New Jersey State Park Police.
  • Officials note shipwrecks periodically surface at this beach, and the McKenzie had not been visible for more than a decade.
  • All eight crew members survived the 1890 incident, though the ship and its cargo were lost.