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By Jen Carlson

On September 26, 1896, three days after the steamer Fred’k De Bary stranded off shore near the Kitty Hawk LifeSaving Station, tragedy struck involving the steamer.

Her crew of 17 sailors had reached shore safely and stayed at the station while waiting to be transported back to Norfolk. While most of the crew had departed the day after the initial incident, the steamer’s captain, mate and chief engineer remained behind to wait for the wrecking steamer to arrive.

The Merritt Wrecking Company steamer William Coley anchored off shore and her crew made trips back and forth in small boats preparing the stranded steamer to be refloated and towed back to Norfolk. On the afternoon of the 26^th, one of the small boats was making a trip to shore with eight men on board when suddenly the stern of the boat struck a sandbar and immediately rolled, throwing the men into the surf. Mr. William Coley, an agent of the wrecking company, was working on the De Bary when he saw the incident and immediately grabbed a coil of rope before descending the ladder and running to the beach.

In the meantime, Surfman D.W. Hayman had just brought the De Bary’s Captain Nelson back to the beach from the station and also witnessed the accident. He too reacted quickly by locating a rope in the supplies that had been transferred off the steamer and tying it around his waist.

Throwing the loose end to someone on the beach, he waded into the surf towards the struggling men. By using floating oars or simply grasping a hold of others, the men worked together to pull seven from the surf. Only one, Thomas Thomas, was not saved because he made no effort to come to shore and sank before the rescuing party had a chance to reach him.

Both Mr. Coley and Captain Nelson commended Surfman Hayman’s actions for being both cool and courageous in doing all he could do to render valuable aid in the work of a rescue.

All in a Day’s Work

Sometimes it’s about being respectful: On September 29, 1896, while on morning patrol, Surfman G.L. Baum from the Whales Head LifeSaving Station (formerly known as Jones Hill) discovered a man’s body on the edge of the surf. Knowing of the incident that happened at the KHLSS only days before, the body was removed from the surf and Keeper Jesse E. Ward notified his sister station of the discovery. At the request of Mr. Coley, the WHLSS crew built a coffin and prepared the body for burial before laying Thomas Thomas to rest in a local cemetery.

For more stories like these, visit the Chicamacomico LifeSaving Station where history is alive.

We hope you will join us October 11-13, 2024 in celebration as we recognize the #LegacyofLifeSaving and the lasting impact of these often-unsung heroes. Go to chicamacomico.org for details of the events. 

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