The
Search for the Steamship Portland (1898-2002)
 Side scan sonar confirmed the Portland's location in 2002 (NOAA) |
 Side scan sonar image of the Portland (courtesy of Klein Sonar Associates) |
The Portland is known as the "Titanic of New England" due to the scale of the tragedy and its impact on the region. Opinion as to where and how the Portland sank has varied widely through the years. Various parties searched the waters around Cape Cod for over 90 years but were unsuccessful.
Shipwreck explorers
John Fish and H. Arnold Carr expanded the search north towards Cape Ann
and in 1989 located the wreck in over 300 feet of water. Unfortunately,
they did not posses conclusive photographic evidence of their find.
 NURC's Hela ROV is deployed to examine the shipwreck (NOAA) |
Sonar and photographic images of the Portland's wreck show that its wooden hull is intact from keel to main deck and that its steam engine and boilers are still in place. Artifacts, such as cups and plates, lie near to their original locations, reminding viewers of the human aspects of the steamship's tragic loss.
 Portland's bow (NOAA/SBNMS, and NURC-NAGL) |
 Portland's walking beam (NOAA/SBNMS, and NURC-NAGL) |
In 2002, the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and the National Undersea Research Center for the North Atlantic and Great Lakes confirmed the location of the Portland with side scan sonar and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) investigations. Scientists have returned to the shipwreck each year since 2002 to learn more about the vessel, the experiences of its passengers and crew, and why it sank.
Last Updated: April 28, 2006