Capt. Dan Berg's Wreck Valley Collection   

JOHN S DWIGHT


The steam powered rumrunner John S Dwight was built as a collier in Tomkins Cove, NY in 1896. She was 112 feet long had a 27 foot beam and displaced 153 gross tons.

On April 6, 1923 the Dwight steamed off shore anchored and awaited the cover of darkness before making its run with its illegal prohibition cargo. What actually happened next may never be known. Some reports claim gun fire, others an explosion. In either case the Dwight was sunk and the bodies of her crew, wearing life jackets washed ashore. Some reports indicate that these bodies had been machine gunned and that there hands and faces had been disfigured with acid to prevent identification. One body was found in a life boat. The back of the mans head was crushed. Many speculated foul play.

Today the John S Dwights remains can be found scattered in 85 to 90 feet of water. Divers will find an assortment of prohibition bottles on the site. Bill Carter reports flattened wreckage with her engine providing the highest relief.

Photo: Bottle from the John Dwight. Bill Carter Collection
  

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Copyright Capt. Dan Berg / Aqua Explorers Inc

2745 Cheshire Dr
Baldwin NY 11510
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