The Deeper and Lesser-Known Wrecks of Massachusetts Bay

This site is intended as a place to compile information and photo documentation of the many wrecks off the coast of Massachusetts. While it primarily draws from the small group of divers actively searching for new wrecks to explore, many others have contributed information and photographic content to the site. Content on this site has come from a number of sources cited throughout, and many divers have participated in the discovery and documentation of these wrecks.

Many of the underwater photos used on this site have been graciously donated by Donna Chaston - you can see more of Donna's work on her site, www.classicdive.com.

Recent Additions

8-14-08

New report posted on the first dive to the passenger steamship Portland, lost during a gale in 1898 with all hands. This wreck lies in 460FSW in Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.

2-08-08

The possible location of the W. A. Marshall has been located in the Dumping Grounds. This barge sunk in 1922 while carrying jetty stone. A large pile of granite stone has been located that covers large portions of what appears to be wooden hull.

10-17-07

New reports posted on the first exploration dives to the Frank A. Palmer and Louise B. Crary, two coal schooners that collided and sank together in 1902 while in route to Boston. The wrecks lie in 365FSW in the northern portion of what is now Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.

09-29-07

The barge long suspected to be a companion of the Crane Wreck has finally turned up. It's only about 120 ft. from the crane and is half buried in the sand. Quite a bit of penetration is possible.

7-24-07

The latest find is likely the Augustus W. Snow, a 4-masted schooner that now lies in 290FSW. Visibility has been very poor on two consecutive dives limiting the amount of exploration, but this is definitely a large and largely intact wooden vessel.

6-22-07

We've discovered a dragger approximately 70 ft. in length sitting upright in 210FSW. No identity confirmed as of yet, so I'll call this one the Orange Dragger for now. Some photos available on the wreck page.

10-11-06

What appears to be a large trawler found in 290FSW. Steel hulled ship approximately 150ft. in length sitting upright on the bottom. Relatively intact stern deckhouse area has at least two levels to explore. Definitely worth more dives to fully explore and ID. Calling this one the 290 Trawler for now.

8-30-06

Yet another barge identified in 290FSW. A steel hull and deteriorated wooden deck describe this rectangular barge that is approximately 150 ft. in length. We'll name this one the 290 Barge, and won't bother with a description page since it's pretty much like the others. Worth one dive to check it out but that's all. Some very large cod and rose fish make the dive more interesting.

7-20-06

Another steel-hulled steamship has been found in 260 FSW. The ship sits upright on the bottom, and is at least 100 ft. in length. Named the "Fran" until a positive ID is made, this wreck will warrant additional dives.

8-21-05

A steel-hulled cargo ship has been found in 250 FSW. Temporarily named the "Van" until a positive ID is made, it sits with the stern buried in the mud and the bow pointed high up into the water column.

7-03-05

A wooden schooner barge is described, located in 120 FSW. The "Redemption" is broken up but identifiable, and is loaded with fish.

5-01-05

A wooden barge has been found this time. In 200 FSW, the SWB (Small Wooden Barge) is upright and intact - and empty.

9-27-04

Another steel barge found in the dumping grounds (surprise). See Bob's Barge in the Wrecks section.

08-29-04

A recently discovered and identified wreck, the Brenton Reef Lightship (LV-39), is now available for viewing in the Wrecks section.