Remains of a 136-year-old shipwreck have been uncovered on the beach at Island Beach State Park in New Jersey after weeks of winter erosion.

Park authorities said rough surf, along with persistent wind and wave action, gradually eroded the shoreline, allowing parts of the historic vessel to surface.

The discovery was shared by the park through its official social media channels.

The ship has been identified as the Lawrence N. McKenzie, a 98-foot schooner that sank on 21 March 1890.

At the time of the incident, the vessel was travelling from Puerto Rico to New York City carrying a cargo of oranges.

Officials confirmed that all eight crew members on board survived the sinking.

The schooner was built in Massachusetts in 1883 and had its homeport listed as Provincetown.

Over the years, the remains of the vessel were buried beneath sand along the coastline.

According to park officials, beach erosion is a natural and seasonal process at Island Beach State Park, particularly during the winter months.

They explained that high-energy waves and seasonal storms remove sand from the shoreline each year, resulting in narrower beaches and steeper coastal profiles.

Officials added that beaches generally recover during calmer summer months when sand is redeposited.

The park added that this winter’s erosion has temporarily revealed a glimpse of the area’s maritime history. Staff are continuing to monitor the site.

Visitors have been reminded to respect historic artefacts and cultural resources within New Jersey’s state parks.

Authorities warned that touching or removing any part of the shipwreck is prohibited and may lead to enforcement action by the New Jersey State Park Police.

References: nydailynews, inquirer