Discovery of Historic Shipwreck Off Nantucket: The ST Seiner
A recent underwater expedition has unveiled the wreck of the ST Seiner, a World War I-era fishing vessel that sank nearly a century ago off the coast of Nantucket. This significant find not only sheds light on maritime history but also serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost at sea.
The Last Voyage of the ST Seiner
The ST Seiner, a 139-foot fishing boat constructed in 1921, embarked on its final journey from New London, Connecticut, on January 9, 1929. According to a statement from Atlantic Wreck Salvage, the vessel was last reported by its captain to the Portland Trawling Company on January 18. After that, communication ceased, and the ship was expected to return to port by January 22 but never arrived.
The ship was believed to have succumbed to a storm, taking with it 21 crew members, including the captain. The men hailed from various regions, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Newfoundland, Canada. At the time, both the Portland Trawling Company and the U.S. Coast Guard initiated a search and rescue operation, but unfortunately, no survivors were found.
Historical Context and Previous Searches
The ST Seiner’s disappearance occurred during a period when fishing was a vital industry in New England, particularly in the wake of World War I. The early 20th century saw a surge in fishing activities, with many vessels like the Seiner contributing to the economy. However, the dangers of the sea were ever-present, and the loss of the Seiner was a stark reminder of these risks.
Previous attempts to locate the wreck in the 1990s were unsuccessful, primarily due to the challenging conditions of the wreck site. The ocean floor in this region, known as Georges Bank, is notorious for its unpredictable weather and strong currents, making underwater exploration difficult.
The Discovery of the Wreck
In 2022, a breakthrough occurred when a team from Atlantic Wreck Salvage utilized their search vessel, the D/V Tenacious, to identify a potential wreck site approximately 125 miles off Nantucket. The wreck lay about 200 feet beneath the surface, but adverse weather conditions prevented the team from diving to investigate further.
In July 2025, the team returned to the site, conducting a series of seven dives over two days. Their efforts culminated in the identification of the wreck as the ST Seiner. Distinctive features, such as a double drum trawl winch and a raised forecastle deck, were crucial in confirming the ship’s identity. Additionally, sonar scans matched the dimensions of the wreck with those of the Seiner, providing further validation.
The Significance of the Find
Captain Eric Takakjian, one of the leaders of the expedition, emphasized the uniqueness of the discovery. “No other steel or iron hull steam trawlers of this size are known to have sunk on Georges Bank,” he stated. This finding not only enriches the historical narrative of maritime activities in the region but also contributes to the broader understanding of fishing practices during that era.
The dive team documented their findings with photographs, showcasing the ship’s unique features, including its steam engine and boiler. These artifacts serve as a tangible connection to the past, allowing historians and maritime enthusiasts to gain insights into the design and operation of early 20th-century fishing vessels.
A Bittersweet Discovery
Jennifer Sellitti, managing member of Atlantic Wreck Salvage, described the discovery as “bittersweet.” While the team celebrates this important historical find, they remain acutely aware of the tragedy that unfolded nearly a century ago. Sellitti encouraged descendants of the men lost aboard the Seiner to reach out, hoping that this discovery might provide some measure of closure.
“While the team celebrates this important historical find, we are mindful of the loss endured by the families, colleagues, and loved ones of those who went down with the ship,” Sellitti remarked. “We hope this discovery can provide some measure of closure to the descendants of those who perished.”
Conclusion
The identification of the ST Seiner serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by those who venture into the sea. As maritime technology continues to advance, discoveries like this not only enrich our understanding of history but also honor the memories of those who lost their lives in pursuit of their livelihoods. The story of the ST Seiner is now woven into the fabric of maritime history, ensuring that the sacrifices of its crew will not be forgotten.
