Skies are clear and the temperature is 78 degrees. A truly wonderful day. We are so lucky that hurricane Frances is not heading in our direction, although we are concerned for all the folks on the east coast of Florida.
On this date in 1913 the George W. Wells, one of the largest schooners ever built, wrecked on Ocracoke's beach in a heavy gale. This disaster resulted in one of the most daring and courageous rescues ever recorded.
According to an article in "The Story of Ocracoke Island" "a strong tide was sweeping the beach and was so deep that before the rescue crew had gone two miles the water was washing into the pony carts and the horses balked and refused to pull them any farther. So the surfmen hitched themselves to the pony carts and dragged the carts with their heavy equipment for six miles along lthe coast in water that was up to their waists, to the scene of the grounded ship."
Exhausted, working in waist deep water and in hurricane force winds, the Coast Guardsmen succeeded in rescuing all 16 crewmen and 5 passengers.
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we are so glad that the big storm Francis decided to land in another area. This year has brought so many losses to many areas and you certainly had your share. our thoughts and prayers are with the people in Florida tonight. Just wanted to let you know we are thinking about you and your Island.
ReplyDeleteDick and Phyllis in Houston.
Why was the name of Ammunition Dump Road changed? Names such as this reflect the history of the island......
ReplyDeleteAlso, where exactly is "down point" vs "the point"? And where exactly did (do) the "creekers'" live vs the "pointers"?