We have probably all heard the warnings about the hurricane that may threaten our coast this weekend. I worry about potential flooding and beach erosion. I can’t help but think about the hundreds of shipwrecks at rest under our beaches and along our rocky shores that might make an appearance in the wake of a destructive storm.

In October 1891, the builders of St Ann’s-by-the-Sea had finally raised enough funds to finish the tower on their beautiful Cape Arundel Episcopal Church. The workmen had gone home on the night of October 29, 1891, when the four-year-old, 121-ton schooner Empress of Bangor went aground on the Rocks near the new Nesmith cottage. Captain James N. Kelly was bringing a 206-ton cargo of coal from New York to the Titcomb coal wharf in Dock Square. (Formerly known as the Eliphalet Perkins Wharf) Even though James Shuffleburg of Kennebunkport was hired to pilot the vessel into the Kennebunk River the captain overshot the mouth of the river in the dark and piled up on the rocks, battering a hole in the hull of the Empress. She filled with water immediately and a significant portion of her cargo fell into the sea. The crew was saved but the hull of the schooner and most of the coal was “lost”. The Empress was partially owned by Capt. Kelly, who did not carry insurance on her. The remains of the vessel were sold at auction to a wrecking crew for $41. The sails were dried on the shore and then the sails and the spars were salvaged. The cargo of coal was insured however, and it is said that nobody in Kennebunkport went cold that winter. St. Ann’s tower was finally completed on February 5, 1892.

If you want to learn more about the Shipwrecks of the Kennebunks, I will be telling shipwreck stories and showing shipwreck pictures this October at the Nott House Tea and Tales. It will start at 4pm on FRIDAY THE 13TH!!! You might remember that because, what is unluckier than a shipwreck?