Beverly Harbormaster Department

10/22/2026

The End of an Era at Lobster Rocks

After more than a century overlooking Beverly Harbor, the granite monument at Lobster Rocks is gone. Its removal marks the loss of a familiar landmark and a tangible connection to generations of mariners who knew these waters.

Beverly’s maritime story is written all along its shoreline. From the historic fishing community of Fish Flake Hill, where cod was salted and laid out to dry, to the working waterfront that remains part of our identity today, the harbor connects us to the people and traditions that shaped this city. The Lobster Rocks Monument was part of that story for generations.

There is a sadness in seeing it disappear. The granite is gone, but the natural hazard it marked remains beneath the water, just as it has for generations.

The City plans to pursue a Private Aid to Navigation, in the form of an anchored buoy at the site, subject to Coast Guard approval. It may not have the character or presence of the old stone monument, but we hope it will serve its purpose and continue to alert mariners to the Lobster Rocks hazard.

Though the monument is no longer part of the harbor’s landscape, its place in Beverly’s maritime history remains. It stood as a reminder of our enduring connection to the sea and the people whose lives and livelihoods have always been shaped by these waters.

10/19/2026

Work is underway to remove the historic granite remnants of the Bowditch Ledge Monument in Salem Sound. The monument collapsed in November 2018, leaving the granite blocks piled on the ledge.
For generations, this monument marked a dangerous hazard for vessels navigating Salem Sound's often challenging waters. Historical accounts describe fires being lit atop the monument to warn and guide sailing ships through these hazardous waters. The roughly 30-foot granite tower was built from hand-cut stone and stood as a prominent visual landmark for mariners navigating the area. Its collapse left remnants on the ledge that have remained for nearly eight years.
The removal is long awaited. Despite the white hazard buoys marking the site, vessels have continued to collide with the granite blocks. Once the remnants are removed, nearly 20 feet of water will remain over the ledge. Still, a new day marker pole will be installed to identify the hazard for deep draft vessels entering Salem Harbor.
There is a certain sadness in watching a piece of our maritime history disappear. These stones have witnessed generations of mariners, from the age of sail to modern commercial shipping and recreational boating. While the decision to remove these historic remnants is difficult to accept, the work now moves forward, and we must make the best of the changes while continuing to prioritize safe navigation. Modern aids may change, but the hazards beneath the water remain.
This is the difficult balance between preserving our maritime heritage and adapting to changing approaches to navigation safety. We can respect the need to address vessel hazards while still recognizing the historical and practical value these landmarks have held for generations.
Following Bowditch Ledge, the marine contractor plans to move on to Abbott Rock and then the Lobster Rock Monument in Beverly Harbor.
Fair winds and safe passage.

10/16/2026

After months of planning and construction, our new Life Proof patrol vessel has arrived in Beverly! ⚓

This 27 foot emergency response vessel represents a significant investment in our ability to protect our harbor and respond to emergencies.

The vessel was funded 75% through the federal Port Security Grant Program, with the remaining 25% match shared equally between the Beverly Harbor Management Authority and the City of Beverly.

We’re grateful for this partnership and excited to put this new vessel to work serving our community for years to come!

10/09/2026

Beverly’s most memorable maritime battle is back!
See you on the harbor! ⚓

It’s TOMORROW!

The ships are ready. The muskets are ready. The cannons are ready. And tomorrow morning, our reenactors will bring October 10, 1775 back to Beverly’s waterfront.
Colonial militia will take their places along the shore, sailors will take to the water aboard the Hannah and Nautilus, and Beverly townspeople will find themselves caught in the middle as the Battle of Beverly unfolds around Dane Street Beach.
After months of planning and preparation, we’re finally ready to bring this story to life. Come experience it for yourself tomorrow morning!

Battle of the Hannah & Nautilus
Saturday, October 10 | 8:30–11:00 AM
Dane Street Beach | Rain or shine
Free shuttle service from Lynch Park

📷: Glover's Regiment, one of the reenactor groups that will be at the Hannah and Nautilus battle, at Fort Sewall earlier this year

10/08/2026

Only two days until the Battle of the Hannah & Nautilus!

On October 10, 1775, HMS Nautilus opened fire on Beverly, sending cannonballs toward the shoreline and into town. Among the Beverly residents caught in the middle of it all was Elizabeth Lovett.

As the battle unfolded, Lovett was urged to leave her home, but she refused because she had bread baking in the oven. When she finally did leave, she stopped and stood on a wall, and that was when a British cannonball came crashing down on the hill beside her.

This Saturday, 251 years later, come experience the battle that brought the Revolution quite literally into the backyards, homes, and everyday lives of Beverly residents like Elizabeth Lovett.

Saturday, October 10 | 8:30–11:00 AM
Dane Street Beach
Rain or shine
Free shuttle service from Lynch Park.

09/30/2026

⚓ 25% OFF Glover Wharf Dockage & Moorings!

Extend your boating season with 25% off at Glover Wharf throughout October.

📅 October 1 through October 31
💰 Use code BEVERLY400

🚤 Dockage: First come, first served
⚓ Moorings: Available for overnight stays

Book through Dockwa | Glover Wharf Marina

Come spend a little more time on the water in Beverly!

09/29/2026

Great opportunity to share a little about an exciting project taking shape in Beverly Harbor. Thanks to the Beverly Public Library for hosting us, Green Beverly for showing up with a table and helping recruit volunteers, and BevCam for filming the presentation. Hopefully, coming soon to a TV near you! 📺🌊

We’re also looking forward to working with Salem Sound Coastwatch and tapping into their volunteer network as the project gets underway. Different organizations, one harbor, a shared commitment.

Lots of exciting work ahead!

We were happy to have Peter Dickman, our Beverly Harbormaster and Dive Safety & Training Officer David Caldwell come and talk about the ongoing project of removing derelict "ghost gear" from Beverly Harbor.

Check out our upcoming Monday Morning programs: https://buff.ly/npYwPJF

09/24/2026

🌊 NOR’EASTER ADVISORY — PLEASE SECURE YOUR VESSEL

A nor’easter is expected to impact New England, with periods of strong winds and the potential for flooding along the river and waterfront.

If you are able to safely pull your boat, we recommend doing so. If your vessel will remain in the water, please check on it before conditions deteriorate and make sure everything is secure.

A few things to check:

• Add additional dock lines as backup/secondary lines.
• Untwist your pennant lines and make sure they are properly led.
• Remove sails from furlers and/or masts.
• Make sure all windows, hatches, and doors are securely latched.
• Bring your flag in.
• Check that fenders and other loose gear are properly secured.
• Make sure all lines have adequate chafe protection.

Please don’t wait until the weather arrives. A few minutes spent securing your vessel now can help prevent damage later.

Stay safe and check on your boat before conditions worsen.

— Beverly Harbormaster

09/15/2026

09/15/2026

We’re excited to be out on the water supporting this special event on October 10! ⚓

BEVERLY, PREPARE FOR BATTLE. ⚓💥

The moment we’ve all been waiting for is almost here!

On October 10, the Hannah and the Nautilus will take to the water once again for a reenactment of the Revolutionary War naval battle fought right here in Beverly Harbor 251 years ago.

Join us at Dane Street Beach to watch the battle unfold as Isabella takes on the role of the Hannah, facing off against Ardelle as the Nautilus.

Ships on the water. Sailors at the ready. Cannons firing across the harbor. 💥