BUAR classifies certain shipwrecks and other underwater archaeological resources as "Exempted Sites" for a variety of reasons, including (but not limited to): commonly known location, previous salvage, recreational value, educational value, or lack of significant archaeological or historical value. Recreational diving activities on these sites, including casual artifact collection, do not require a BUAR permit. However, any major disruption of the site is prohibited. The intent of creating an exempted shipwreck site is to preserve such sites for the continued enjoyment of the recreational diving community, who is encouraged to protect these sites for the continued enjoyment of all.
Note: All dives are conducted at your own risk. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts accepts no responsibility for loss of any kind, including personal injury or property damage. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts assumes no liability for inaccuracies in dive information contained in these pages including site locations and dive conditions.
Vessel Details
Description: schooner, wood.
Dimensions: length 79.5 ft., width 22.6 ft., depth 7.8 ft.
Tonnage: gross 74, other.
Propulsion: sail.
Cargo: paving blocks.
The Shipwreck
Date Sunk: August 30, 1899.
Cause: stranded
Location: Sandy Bay Breakwater (eastern end), Cape Ann.
Coordinates: latitude 42° 40' 39" N; longitude 70° 35' 25" W.
It was a foggy evening when the coasting schooner Edward Rich finally left the Cape Ann Granite Company dock after loading a cargo of paving blocks for Boston purchasers. While exiting Pigeon Cove harbor, the vessel struck the eastern end of the Sandy Bay Breakwater. Hitting the rocks hard, its hull was badly crushed and soon filled with water. By morning, all but a small portion of the schooner's bow was completely submerged. Hopelessly damaged, the Edward Rich was abandoned to the wreckers.
Historical Background
Constructed: in 1867 at Chelsea, Massachusetts.
Construction details: Oak; Iron & Copper Fastenings.
Crew: Master: John Paschal.
Owners: H.P. Halma.
Home or Hailing Port: Boston, Massachusetts.
Former Name(s) and date(s):
Official number: 7097 Country: U.S.A.
Salvage
Initially wreckers removed the vessel's sails and rigging.
Sources
Boston Globe; August 30, 1899
Merchant Vessels of the United States; 1899
The Record, "American Lloyds," American Bureau of Shipping; 1899