Stranded in breakers at entrance to Hatteras Inlet at 1 a.m., 5-1/2 miles from station, strong wind and sea prevailing. The patrol discovered her shortly afterwards and reported to station. Life saving crew started at once with beach apparatus, but keeper, riding ahead on horseback, discovered that schooner was beyond reach of wreck gun; crew then returned to station, got surfboat, and rowed out to vessel through a heavy sea; learned that her cargo of lime was on fire. Landed crew of 7 men, then returned with master to wreck to save effects. Crew of the Ocracoke Station now arrived and both crews were engaged in removing clothing, etc., from vessel until the sea drove them away. Cared for shipwrecked seamen 5 days at station. One of the ship’s boats drifted ashore at Creeds Hill and was secured by life saving crew at that place, who sent word to master. (See letter of acknowledgement.)
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| Edward S. Stearns in Rockport Harbor - 1889 Photo From Bob C. |
SIR: The captain and crew of the schooner Edward S. Stearns, which stranded on Hatteras Bar, March 4, 1895, wish to express our heartfelt thanks to the keeper and crew of Durant’s Life-Saving Station for their timely assistance in coming to our rescue, and for their service in coming through the breakers before daylight in the morning, as the sea was high and dangerous. Our vessel was on fire and it was impossible for us to remain on board much longer, but had we undertaken to land in our own boat no doubt we never should have reached the shore. While I have read much of the Life-Saving Service, I never did fully appreciate the value of its noble work as much as I do now, and the kind treatment we have received from keeper and crew since landing, and the faithful manner in which discipline is carried out at the station. We wish also to thank the crew of the Ocracoke Station for their assistance in trying to save our personal effects. S.P. HEAL, Captain ; T.J. MUNROE, Mate
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