This winter, powerful storms along the Jersey Shore have unearthed the remains of the Lawrence N. McKenzie, a wooden ship that sank in 1890 while traveling from Puerto Rico to New York City. Although the crew and passengers survived, the ship was lost to history until recent beach erosion revealed its wreckage, which had been buried under sand for nearly 140 years. Officials from Island Beach State Park announced the discovery on January 23, noting that the ship’s remnants were exposed due to weeks of rough surf and strong winds.
The ship’s wooden frame now lies in ruins on an undeveloped section of the Jersey Shore, awaiting further analysis. Park officials explained that winter erosion is a natural phenomenon at Island Beach State Park, where high-energy waves often reshape the shoreline. While most beaches typically recover during calmer summer months, this winter’s erosion has provided a rare glimpse into the area’s maritime history.
Scientists have also noted that climate change may be accelerating beach erosion, as rising sea levels and intensified storms threaten to wash away more sand. This erosion not only impacts historical sites but also undermines the dunes that serve as vital barriers against future storms. Recent years have seen several shipwrecks uncovered globally following extreme weather events, suggesting a potential trend in revealing maritime history.
