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By Jen Carlson

On February 17, 1898, the schooner Samuel L. Tilton stranded in the heavy surf about a mile southeast of the Chicamacomico LifeSaving Station. Keeper Banister L. Midgett Jr. requested assistance from both sister stations of Gull Shoal and New Inlet before heading to the beach with the beach apparatus.

It took a couple of shots from the Lyle Gun to establish communication with the vessel, but in three trips of the LifeCar, all nine sailors as well as some personal effects were brought safely to shore.

The following day, the master and first mate of the Tilton were taken back to the vessel to secure both the ship’s log and more personal effects. Most of the crew departed for Elizabeth City two days after the incident but three remained behind until the wreck was sold a week later.

Captain W. C. Smith, managing owner of the schooner, also arrived at the CLSS days after the incident and sent a very complimentary letter to the Superintendent’s office expressing his gratitude of thanks for the teamwork in getting him to the scene.

Four different stations within District Six worked together to convey Captain Smith from Roanoke Island to the Chicamacomico Station and along the way provided him meals and overnight accommodations when necessary. Once arriving at CLSS, he also spoke very highly of how he and his crew were treated during their stay and how carefully the team handled approaching the wreckage when taking him out to see it. “I can not say too much for the valuable services all those men are rendering to vessels and crews in shipwreck.”

As for the Tilton crew themselves, they felt the method of using the LifeCar excelled any other method seen in lifesaving efforts and were grateful of the promptness and care that was taken during the rescue efforts.

All in a Day’s Work

Sometimes it’s about being a messenger: On December 2, 1907, a gas yacht named Madelon was spotted by the lookout at the Nags Head LifeSaving Station. She was stranded on a sandbar about two miles southwest of the station. The surfmen went to her assistance and tried to float her off the sandbar. Due to the falling tides, the team was unsuccessful so they tried a different approach the following day. They carried out an anchor but the water level was too low so that didn’t work either. However, overnight the winds changed direction and the yacht was finally able to float off the sandbar and got back underway the morning of December 4.

About a week after the incident, the Superintendent’s Office received a thank you note from H.G. Barr, the son of the Madelon’s captain, expressing his gratitude for receiving a telegram regarding the incident and for the knowledge his father was able to safely resume his journey. He appreciated the efforts taken to notify him and indicated he would be pleased to return such kindness if Superintendent Kimball was ever in Worcester, Massachusetts.

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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