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Wrecking Vessels & Equipment
Until the
1850’s, the majority of wrecking vessels were sloops, which
proved to be very useful because of their shallow draft.
This draft allowed them to maneuver in very shallow
waters around the reef and get alongside the wrecks.
By 1860, the wreckers had traded in their sloops for
schooners. They too
had a shallow draft, but they had a bigger cargo hold for larger
salvage operations.
Wreckers used
special equipment to salvage ships.
They carried heavy anchors, strong anchor chains, long
hawsers and large fenders to help secure their vessels in rough
water. For the cargo recovery they were equipped with a large
inventory of blocks, tackle and line, and hooks to handle the
large cotton bales and other goods that might be recovered.
Axes, saws and other carpentry tools were used to cut
free broken parts of the wreck, open hatches, and save people
and cargoes
If one
wrecking vessel on site was not capable of handling a wreck
single-handedly, others wreckers would be readily available to
assist in the salvage—and share the rewards!
The
Wreckers
Wrecking
Vessels and Equipment
The
American Lighthouse System
Indian
Key and Jacob Housman
Famous
People in the Industry
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