Rare View of a 112-Year-Old Shipwreck Unveiled by Storm

Recent severe winter storms across the United States have brought not only bitter cold and hazardous conditions but also a rare sight at Acadia National Park in Maine – the re-emergence of a 112-year-old shipwreck. The two-masted schooner Tay ran aground on Mount Desert Island in July 1911 during a storm, resulting in the death of the ship’s cook. The recent storm in January 2024, along with record-breaking storm surges, revealed a large section of the ship’s remains on Sand Beach, offering a unique glimpse into the area’s maritime history.

The Tay, captained by I.W. Scott of St. John, New Brunswick, encountered trouble during the storm when it sprung a leak. Despite Captain Scott’s attempts to reach harbor, the ship ultimately struck hard, breaking apart fore and aft. The tragic incident resulted in the loss of the ship’s cook, J.B. Whelpley. The wreckage, which had been buried below the sand for over a century, surfaced after the recent storm, drawing the attention of locals and visitors alike.

Molly Moon, a Bar Harbor local with family ties to the area spanning generations, seized the opportunity to witness this historical moment. She went to Sand Beach at low tide to photograph the exposed wreckage. Moon described the experience as rare, allowing her to connect with history that had been hidden for more than a hundred years. She emphasized her appreciation for living in such a historically rich area.

Moon’s family has a longstanding connection with the Tay wreckage, as her grandmother saw sections of it uncovered in the 1950s, her mother witnessed the hull unearthed in the 1970s, and Moon herself had the chance to see it resurface in 2024. The recent sighting brought a sense of continuity, as generations have witnessed the shipwreck reappear over the years.

Ben Sprague, a visitor from Bangor who learned about the shipwreck through social media and news reports, visited Sand Beach with his family. He noted that the visible wreckage appeared in pieces, although not necessarily interconnected. Despite its fragmented state, Sprague expressed appreciation for this unexpected encounter with history and described it as a “cool bit of history.”

Acadia National Park, where the shipwreck is located, suffered significant damage during the storm, according to information on the park’s website. While areas remained open, some parts were closed due to the destruction caused by the storm. The National Park Service did not immediately respond to requests for additional information about the shipwreck.

The 1911 Bar Harbor Record article provides details about the Tay’s tragic incident, including the six crew members and the captain’s son onboard. The ship was transporting lumber from St. John to Boston, and despite the loss of a load of shingles, some planks carried below deck washed ashore. The crew found refuge in the summer home of the local Satterlee family, and a boat house was later constructed using salvaged lumber in honor of the shipwreck.

While the Tay’s wreckage has appeared periodically over the decades, the recent sighting is the first in many years, as reported by the Bangor Daily News. The emergence of this century-old shipwreck adds another layer to the historical significance of Acadia National Park and offers a tangible connection to the maritime events of the past. The storms not only revealed the Tay but also impacted other historic sites in the state, such as the sweeping away of several historic fishing shacks in South Portland due to flooding.