(BARNEGAT TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- Many storied sea tragedies have unfolded off the New Jersey coast, but few are as unique as the 1884 sinking of a sleek cargo carrier and the loss of its entire crew. Join historian and diver Dan Lieb for “The Tragedy of the Schooner, John K. Shaw” at the Ocean County Library Barnegat Branch on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. The event begins at 7:00pm.

The three-masted schooner’s demise drew notice throughout the country. Circumstances were murky but recovered remains fed rumors that another ship rammed the Shaw and left it to sink off the Deal coast, snuffing out the lives of its captain and his crew of six from Manasquan.

“Diver Dan” will offer a riveting recount of the events during and after that frosty February day.

Dan Lieb has led dozens of New Jersey marine historical expeditions during more than 30 years as a mapper of shipwrecks. He holds a Divemaster rating from the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) and has executed more than 2,300 dives since 1974. Dan teaches methods of wreck site recording and research.

Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclBgtShaw to attend this free program sponsored by the Friends of the Barnegat Library.

The Friends are volunteers who support the Library through programs, fundraising and advocacy. New members are always welcome. Application forms are available at all Library branches and reading centers and on the OCL website.

For more information, stop by the OCL Barnegat Branch, 112 Burr Street, call (609) 698-3331, or visit the Library’s online Calendar of Events.

OCL turns 100 this year and you’re why they’re celebrating! See details on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, Pinterest and https://theoceancountylibrary.org.