Great Shipwrecks of the Maine Coast

The rocky coast of Maine has claimed countless vessels over the centuries, and maritime historian Jeremy D’Entremont brings these dramatic tales to life with the authority and storytelling skill of a true expert. This compelling volume chronicles some of the most devastating shipwrecks in New England history, from colonial disasters to twentieth-century mysteries.

The narrative begins with the catastrophic hurricane of 1635 and the tragic fate of the Angel Gabriel, lost at anchor off Pemaquid. D’Entremont guides readers through centuries of maritime disaster, including the harrowing 1710 wreck at Boon Island—a survival story so sensational it rivaled Mutiny on the Bounty in its day, where desperate survivors faced unthinkable choices. You’ll discover the Penobscot Expedition, America’s worst naval defeat before Pearl Harbor, and the heartbreaking story of a circus ship that went down off Vinalhaven in 1836, carrying performers and animals alike.

Perhaps most haunting is the account of a mysterious motorboat explosion in 1941 that claimed all 34 souls aboard—a tragedy that still echoes along the Maine coast. Enhanced by archival photographs and period etchings, each story is meticulously researched and vividly told, making this essential reading for maritime history enthusiasts, shipwreck buffs, and anyone drawn to the dramatic interplay between human ambition and the unforgiving North Atlantic.

Whether you’re a longtime resident or a visitor captivated by Maine’s maritime heritage, this book offers a fascinating window into the perils that shaped our coastal communities.

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