AH-WR-0927

Santa Cruz

Schooner · United States · Lost 1960 · The Channel Islands

A Matthew Turner-built island supply schooner that served Santa Cruz Island for 67 years before wrecking in a 1960 nor'easter at Prisoners' Harbor.

Become Captain of Record

Artistic recreation based on recorded historical documents. See the documented evidence.

Historically Reconstructed. Drawn from partial documentation of this vessel together with her known class and configuration. See the documented evidence.

The Vessel and Her Loss

Built in 1893 by the Matthew Turner Shipyard in Benicia for the Santa Cruz Island Company, the two-masted schooner Santa Cruz spent 67 years hauling sheep-shearers, grape-pickers, wool, wine, and supplies between the island and the mainland. On December 6, 1960, while anchored at Prisoners' Harbor, she parted her mooring in a nor'easter and was wrecked on the rocks along the harbor's west side. Some fittings were later salvaged.

Vessel

Built: 1893
Registry: US registry no. 116559
Builder: Matthew Turner Shipyard
Yard: Benicia, California
Material: Wood
Length: 64 ft
Beam: 18.6 ft
Tonnage: 45
Propulsion: Sail with auxiliary gas engine
Owners: Santa Cruz Island Company (Justinian Caire)

Loss

Date: December 6, 1960
Cause: Storm
Location: Prisoners' Harbor, Santa Cruz Island, California
Water: Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara Channel
Voyage: Not established
Cargo: Not established
Aboard: Not established
Lives lost: Not established
Master: Not established

The Wreck Today

Depth: Not established
Condition: Broke up on the rocks; some fittings including compass, anchor chain, and cowl vents were salvaged afterward.
Orientation: Not established
Discovered: Not established
Protection: Within Channel Islands National Park