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NJ Beach Reveals Lost 19th Century Shipwreck
31 Jan
Summary
- A 19th-century shipwreck has emerged from New Jersey sands.
- The vessel, Lawrence N. McKenzie, sank in 1890 carrying oranges.
- Rough surf exposed the historic wreck at Island Beach State Park.
Remnants of a 19th-century shipwreck have surfaced on a New Jersey beach, captivating onlookers. The discovery was made at Island Beach State Park, Ocean County.
The identified vessel is the Lawrence N. McKenzie, a cargo ship constructed in 1883. It met its demise off the New Jersey coast on March 21, 1890, while en route from Puerto Rico to New York City. The schooner, measuring 98.2 feet long, and its entire cargo of oranges were lost at sea.
Fortunately, all eight crew members aboard the Lawrence N. McKenzie survived the wreck. Officials attribute the recent exposure of the ship to rough surf and heavy winds, which have caused significant shifts in beach sand levels.
This is not the first time historic shipwrecks have been revealed at Island Beach State Park, with a park spokesperson noting that such exposures occur periodically. The Lawrence N. McKenzie itself has surfaced before, though not in over a decade. Authorities urge the public not to disturb the ruins to ensure their preservation for future generations, warning that removing historic resources is prohibited and subject to fines.
