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Winter Erosion Reveals 1890 Schooner Wreck at Island Beach State Park

Maritime archaeologists are expected to examine the protected site soon.

Overview

  • Park officials say exposed timbers belong to the Lawrence N. McKenzie, a 98-foot schooner built in 1883 that wrecked off Barnegat on March 21, 1890.
  • Photographs show curved wooden ribs with diagonal metal straps and protruding spikes now visible on the beach.
  • Staff are monitoring the remains and warn that touching or removing material is illegal and could lead to summonses from New Jersey State Park Police.
  • The vessel was carrying oranges from Puerto Rico to New York City when it stranded in heavy fog; all eight crew members were rescued by the U.S. Life-Saving Service.
  • Officials attribute the exposure to seasonal winter erosion at the barrier island, with coverage noting that stronger storms have been tied to similar storm-revealed wrecks elsewhere.