Lofthus Underwater Archaeological Preserve

The twisted remains of an iron-hulled ship called Lofthus lie in the clear water off Manalapan, Florida. Although fairly shallow, at only 15-20 feet deep, the wreckage is subject to strong currents that run along the east coast of the state. These currents move massive amounts of sand which sometimes nearly cover the wreck site. At other times, the sand is moved away, allowing diving visitors an opportunity to see the framing and internal structures of a late 19th-century metal-hulled sailing ship.

Lofthus was built in Sunderland, England, at the T.R. Oswald shipyard and was launched in 1868 under the name Cashmere. She was assigned to the East Indian trade and was painted with false gunports to discourage Sumatran and Javanese pirates. The 222-feet-long vessel had a hull of riveted iron, but was rigged as a three-masted barque (the foremast and mainmast were square-rigged and the mizzenmast was fore-and-aft rigged). The iron hull had the advantages of strength, durability, large cargo capacity, speed, and reduced maintenance costs.

By the early 1850s, a new iron vessel cost less than a wooden vessel of the same size. Despite these benefits, wooden-hulled merchant ships remained prevalent until the development of the compound steam engine revolutionized merchant shipping. Nevertheless, metal-hulled ships were produced in large numbers and sailed the world’s seas carrying a variety of cargo. As iron manufacture became easier and cheaper, British shipyards produced hundreds of iron and steel-hulled sailing ships, finally surpassing wooden construction.

The market for metal-hulled sailing vessels ultimately collapsed in 1897 in response to a surge of steam-powered craft needed for the Spanish-American and Boer Wars. Rising insurance costs for sail-powered vessels together with improvements in steam engine technology signaled the end of the metal-hulled sailing merchant ship. The survivors generally were relegated to carrying cheap, bulk cargos like lumber, grain, cotton, and guano.

Cashmere was among the last generation of iron-hulled sailing ships. Sold to a Norwegian firm in 1897 and renamed Lofthus, the ship was transferred to the American trade. On February 4, 1898, Lofthus was bound from Pensacola, Florida, to Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a load of lumber when she wrecked on the east coast of Florida. Although a local tug tried to pull her off the beach, she was high and dry and being pounded to pieces by the waves. Although her crew was saved, the vessel was a total loss. Because the cargo of lumber was more valuable than the ship, Lofthus was dynamited to allow access to her hold.

Today, the remains of Lofthus lie scattered along the bottom just offshore of Manalapan. Wreckage can rise as much as six feet off the bottom, depending on sand movement. Portions of Lofthus’ iron framing, mast, and decking are easily identified. Anemones and damsel fish live inside portions of the mast and lobsters can sometimes be found under the deck plating. Beware of scorpionfish camouflaged on the rusty metal

In 2003, Lofthus was created the State of Florida’s eighth Underwater Archaeological Preserve and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As with all historic shipwrecks in Florida waters, Lofthus is protected from unauthorized disturbance or removal of artifacts. Remember to take only photos and leave only bubbles! Check out www.museumsinthesea.com for more information and to take a virtual tour of the shipwreck.

Article by Della Scott-Ireton. If you have questions about underwater archeology, click on the Contact Us link at the top of the page and choose Archeology Questions from the drop-down menu.