Wreck of the Bohemian, Cape Elizabeth, 1864
Item 5729 info
Maine Historical Society
Any time a captain was disoriented, disaster might quickly follow.
On the night of February 22, 1864, the steamer Bohemian was heading to Portland.
The first officer had just taken the wheel when a buoy was spotted directly ahead. The engines were shut off in an attempt to slow the vessel, but it was too late.
The Bohemian struck Alden's Rock, damaging the hull and ripping a gash in the engine room.
Captain Richard Borland headed the vessel toward shore, eventually reaching Broad Cove, where the disabled steamer could proceed no further due to the amount of water she had taken on.
Item 4 of 15
