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, 4 masted, wood.
Dimensions: length 103 ft., width 28 ft., depth 8 ft.
Tonnage: gross 172.
Propulsion: Sail.
Cargo: Coal.
The Shipwreck
Date Sunk: November 28, 1898.
Cause: Bilged.
Location: Tarpaulin Cove, Naushon Island.
Coordinates: latitude 41° 27' 54" N; longitude 70° 45' 18" W.
Many nameless storms have ravaged the New England coast leaving in their wake untold tales of misery and destruction. One of the worst was the Portland Gale, November 26-27, 1898. Named after the steamer Portland that sank with nearly 200 persons aboard, this two-day Hurricane caused more damage to shipping in New England, than any other in history. Over 130 vessels were lost, 26 in Vineyard Haven Harbor alone.
After loading coal at Perth Amboy, NJ, the 4 masted schooner Lunet set sail for its homeport of Bangor Maine. As it entered Vineyard Sound on November 27th, the gale struck forcing its captain to seek refuge at Tarpaulin Cove, Naushon Island. Located on the western side of the island, largest of the Elizabethan Chain, Tarpaulin Cove was a weather hole for many vessels sailing the outer Cape. With winds from the southwest, Lunet anchored near the western shore. Under the lee of the lighthouse the schooner made ready for the coming storm.
The next day a change in wind direction from the northeast, accompanied by a blinding snowstorm, put the schooner in a dangerous position. Its proximity to the rocks and the reduced visibility prevented it from sailing further into the harbor. If its anchors could not withstand the strain of the 70 mile per hour gusts, the vessel would certainly be destroyed. Suddenly, the anchor chain parted and Lunet was flung across the reef at the southwestern entrance to the cove. The force of the impact tore its bottom out. Filling quickly the schooner sunk in 60 feet of water on the Sound side of the reef. There were no survivors. When the storm abated, only the crosstrees of Lunet's masts marked its final resting-place.
Dive Site Conditions
Depth in feet: maximum 60 ft.
Brad Luther first mentioned this dive site in his book New England Shipwrecks, 1967; "As you round the rocky reef on the southwest corner [of Naushon Island], you will be able to distinguish three distinct beaches separated by boulders." Off the second of these beaches, west of the reef, the shallows quickly give way to a sandbank sloping down to the bottom of Vineyard Sound. At its base, in 60 feet of water, lie Lunet's remains.
When first dove on in the 1960s the vessel was virtually intact. Its hull had rotted away in places and sections were partially buried, but many artifacts were retrieved. So many, that this vessel has probably been stripped by now.
Historical Background
Constructed: in 1876, at Calais, Maine.
Home or Hailing Port: Bangor, Maine.
Official number: 15896. Country: U.S.A.
Salvage
No salvage was ever attempted.
Sources
Lippincott's Pronouncing Gazetteer of the World; 1874
Merchant Vessels of the United States; 1898
New England Shipwrecks; Luther, 1967
New York Maritime Register; December 7, 1898
Shipwrecks Around Maine; Quinn, 1983
Ten Years at Ten Fathoms; B.W. Luther
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