Originally written by Carl White.
Since Greenwich is located on Long Island Sound, it’s not surprising that we’re intrigued with marine lore. At one time, fishing and shellfishing were prominent. Today, many residents spend their weekends sailing on the Sound. Unfortunately, there have been several capsizings and sinkings just off our shores. One such incident involved the Brigantine Larabee. It occurred just east of Wee Captain’s Island and Island Beach on June 20, 1868.
Sailing the Brigantine Larrabee
An inquest was later held in the Marble House on Steamboat Road. Two witnesses (Abraham Brinkerhoff and Epriam Mead) testified. The board wondered how the vessel with a combined weight of 800 tons could have capsized on Long Island Sound on such a calm day. Some theorized a random burst of wind forced the ship over, but there was no evidence of a wind burst. Despite the lack of proof, the insurance company eventually paid off the policy. The two sailors were buried at town expense, while the Captain’s wife was returned to her hometown in New York. The day started with clear weather. A gentle southwest breeze blew across the Sound. There was a light chop on the water. Long Island Sound was covered with yachts and pleasure boats. The Larrabee appeared from the east. All sails were set on the Brigantine Larrabee. (A “Brigantine” was simply a two-masted sailing vessel.) Her great black hull sat far out of the water due to her ballast (cargo). She appeared to be moving gracefully when she suddenly listed and “tipped” over into the water. Unfortunately, two sailors and the Captain’s wife – who were below deck – were killed. A fishing boat and yacht that were nearby immediately responded to the scene.
Brigantine Larrabee Inquest
Several years later, a possible cause was discovered. These boats were built with centerline keels to help steady the ship. Someone designed a removable, adjustable keel for maintenance purposes. It was possible the keel had been removed and that there was nothing to steady the boat. A sudden gust of wind may have come up and pushed her over. Without a centerline keel board in place, there was nothing to steady the boat. This was never proven.
Modern Replacement
I tried to find out if the boat and its cargo were ever salvaged. There was nothing in “The Judges Corner,” or the local newspaper in regard to this. The only thing I came across was an article on how some smaller capsized vessels are upright. It involves someone standing on the centerline keel board to start the upward movement. I assume some people on other boats use ropes to pull the ship upright. There may be a similar process for larger ships. Maybe a heavyweight could be used on the center keel board. Or maybe the vessel could be towed to shore, and derricks could be used to lift the ship upright. I assume the Larrabee eventually sank. It could have become a navigational hazard.
Today you can see an occasional barge or freighter making its way down Long Island Sound. If you’re lucky, you may even see a luxury liner. You probably won’t see a brigantine, although the Sound Waters schooner can be seen from time to time carrying students out for research. There are still plenty of pleasure crafts such as sailboats and motorboats around Greenwich. Unless there’s another “Tall Ships” or “Operation Sail,” you probably won’t get the opportunity to see a brigantine. If any remain, they may be housed at such museums as Mystic Seaport.
Long Island Sound was once a busy marine thoroughfare. Ships once carried goods and produce to waiting markets. Automobiles and trucks now carry the load. But the early sailing vessels will forever remain a part of our local history.
SOURCE
Hubbard, FA; Greenwich History: The Judge’s Corner; Round Hill Publications, Greenwich CT; 2001
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