Maine Maritime Museum’s Historic Schooner Returns to Dock After Capsizing

A historic 1906 schooner has returned home to the Maine Maritime Museum after capsizing on the Kennebec River on Friday evening.

The Mary E had 18 people on board when it capsized and became partially submerged near the museum. The Bath Fire Department and Sea Tow were first on scene and rescued all 18 people from the water and transported them to awaiting medical personnel.

Sea Tow then towed the partially submerged vessel to shallow water near the museum.

Maine Maritime Museum posted to Facebook that the vessel suffered a knockdown off Doubling Point Light just downriver from where the museum is located. An update on Sunday said the Mary E returned to the museum and included a picture of the vessel upright at the dock.

“Look who’s back at the dock! Mary E returned to the museum this afternoon. We are so grateful for the multiple organizations and individuals that ensured the safety of our passengers – and huge thanks to Sea Tow, the Coast Guard, and the other professionals who helped supervise its return,” the post reads.

“Work is ongoing, and we will continue to share more with you as information becomes available.”

The Mary E was originally built in 1906 in Bath, on the same property that is now home to Bath Iron Works, and in 2018 completed a restoration at the museum’s own Percy and Small shipyard. Maine Maritime Museum offers sailings to guests looking for a “truly unique experience”.

Video captured by a passenger showed passengers in the water and on top of the overturned schooner.

“We commend our partners in the Bath community for their prompt and effective response which saved the lives of 18 people,” said Capt. Amy E. Florentine, Coast Guard Sector Northern New England Commander. “We will ensure a full and thorough investigation is conducted in order to determine what caused the incident.”

Subscribe for Daily Maritime Insights

Sign up for gCaptain’s newsletter and never miss an update

— trusted by our 109,001 members