A powerful nor’easter storm uncovered wooden shipwreck remains on Nantucket’s south shore on Sunday, potentially linked to the Warren Sawyer, a 19th-century schooner that wrecked in 1884.
The fragments, visible in the same location as discoveries in 2022 and 2023, were spotted by Jason Graziadei, editor-in-chief of the Nantucket Current, who documented the wreckage and shared footage online. Researchers from the Massachusetts Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources previously concluded in a 2023 report that the remnants were most likely from the Warren Sawyer, a three-masted cargo vessel that sank while transporting 1,115 bales of cotton and 28 tons of scrap metal from New Orleans to Boston.
Storm conditions and immediate response
The wreckage emerged amid severe coastal flooding and power outages affecting more than 160,000 households across the northeastern U.S. The storm’s heavy winds and waves exposed additional wooden timbers, including portions of a hull, near Point of Breakers and Miacomet Beach.
Graziadei, who received a tip from local resident David DeHart, confirmed the discovery and noted that the remnants appeared in the same vicinity as prior findings. Jascin N. Leonardo Finger, deputy director of the Maria Mitchell Association, stated that while the wreckage may belong to the Warren Sawyer, further investigation is required to verify its origin.
Historical context and prior discoveries
The Warren Sawyer struck the shore on December 22, 1884, during a storm. According to historical records from The Inquirer and Mirror, the crew and captain were rescued within hours, and much of the cargo was salvaged by islanders. Fragments of the ship were first documented in December 2022 by a Nantucket resident cycling along the southern shore. A subsequent find in February 2023, approximately a half-mile west of the initial site, prompted an archaeological assessment.
Research and expert analysis
In 2023, David Robinson, director and chief archaeologist for the Massachusetts Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources, led a multi-month investigation in collaboration with the Egan Maritime Institute and the Nantucket Historical Association. The team reviewed archival records, photographs, and archaeological evidence to determine the wreckage’s origin. Robinson stated that while the evidence strongly suggested the Warren Sawyer, the conclusion was based on collective analysis of available data rather than a definitive identification.
The Massachusetts Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources has not issued a new statement regarding the latest discovery as of publication.
Ongoing monitoring and next steps
Experts emphasize that the exposed remnants may shift or erode further due to ongoing storm activity. Researchers plan to conduct additional surveys to assess the wreckage’s condition and determine whether preservation efforts are warranted. The Nantucket Historical Association and local maritime organizations are coordinating with state authorities to document and protect the site.