Schooner Frank M. McGear ~ 23 October 1889

Annual Report of the Operations of the United States Life-Saving Service for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1899:

On the coast of North Carolina the wind, which had been moderate from the eastward during the afternoon, backed several points when the sun set and rapidly increased to a vigorous gale. The surf, already high from the long-continued onshore wind, tumbled in with increasing violence, and, to add to the unfavorable conditions, rain descended steadily. It was undoubtedly the sudden rise and fury of the storm that occasioned the wreck of the three-masted schooner Frank M. McGear, of Bridgeton, New Jersey. She was on a trip from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Kings Ferry, Florida, when the gale struck her, and, being without cargo, fell to leeward rapidly and drove ashore at 7 o’clock, some two miles north of the Whale’s Head Station (Sixth District). Ten minutes after stranding she was discovered by the patrolman from the station named, who burned a Coston signal, and then hastened home and reported the circumstance to the keeper. The south patrol was recalled by a rocket, and the keeper of the Currituck Inlet Station was notified by telephone of the disaster and requested to assist at the wreck. In a very short time the crew from Whale’s Head were on their way to the scene with the beach apparatus, and before 9 o’clock both crews were abreast of the schooner, and the gun and gear were soon in readiness for action. The first shot carried the line across the spring stay, but owing to the darkness the sailors could not find it. By this time the vessel had been forced quite close to the shore, and the heaving stick was thrown upon her deck. Whip and hawser were quickly hauled aboard and secured, and the latter was then set taut. Notwithstanding the force of the wind and sea, nothing interfered with the orderly work of the apparatus. Seven times the breeches buoy was drawn forth and back, safely landing a man on each shore-ward trip. As soon as all hands had been rescued, the gear was re-stowed in the cart and the surfmen returned to their respective stations, one crew arriving at half past 11 o’clock and the other an hour later. The shipwrecked people accompanied the Whale’s Head crew. Four of the sailors were sheltered and fed two days, but the captain, mate and steward remained at the station several weeks, during which time wreckers made numerous ineffectual efforts to save the schooner. She finally bilged and drove high on the beach, where she was condemned, stripped, and, on the 28th of December, sold. That the captain and crew appreciated the services of the life savers is evidenced by the following letter:

WHALE’S HEAD LIFE SAVING STATION, October 27, 1889

“DEAR SIR: I, on behalf of myself and crew, extend our hearty thanks to you and your men for the promptness and efficiency displayed in rescuing us, on the night of the 23d instant, from our stranded vessel, and for the kindness and attention shown us while in your care. Very truly yours, ALHERT SHARP, Master of schooner Frank M. McGear.”