VESSEL: Steamer
TYPE: Grounding
DATE: March 25, 1903
SIZE:
BUILT:
MASTER:
LOCATION: Shovelful Shoal, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

SUMMARY:
The four-masted steamer Consuelo departed from Boston when dense fog prevailed in the area for several days.  On the morning of March 25, the fog finally lifted and the Consuelo departed for New York where the steamer would load additional cargo. As the steamer proceeded southward in the navigation channel, the Consuelo reached Shovelful Shoal and struck a “uncharted lump”. The steamer suddenly stopped in the channel. The lifesaving station at Monomoy spotted the stranded steamer and launched the surfboat to assist.  Before the surfboat reached the steamer, the Consuelo was able to free itself and proceeded on its course over the shoals. The steamer continued on its voyage with no serious damage.

The cause of the grounding was attributed to the Consuelo’s great size and heavily laden for the reason the steamer struck bottom while other moderate-sized vessels did not.

REFERENCE:
The Boston Globe (Boston, Massachusetts). March 25, 1903. Page 8.