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By Jen Carlson

On October 8, 1903, a small sailboat named the Leon Bruce capsized about a mile and a half south of the Caffey’s Inlet LifeSaving Station.

The sailboat belonged to Keeper Thaddeus Snow and the rest of the crew at the station and was actually heading to the station itself before being caught in a squall.

The lookout immediately gave the alarm and the surfman headed out to the beach. One of the surfman was out on sick leave so Keeper Snow’s son, Thad, was filling in as an alternate.

Instead of hauling the surf boat to the scene, the team instead launched Thad’s personal sailboat to reach the imperiled man who had been at the helm of the sailboat. They were able to pick up the man and tow the capsized boat back to shore.

All in a Day’s Work

Sometimes it’s about caring for others belongings: On September 9, 1888, the Kitty Hawk LifeSaving Station crew successfully floated a small sloop named the Mary Ann from where she had grounded during a storm.

The vessel had been moored earlier that afternoon with no one onboard but came loose of her ties in a sudden gale. She landed on the beach about ¾ of a mile west of the station but nothing could be done for the craft until after the storm abated.

After the team successfully released her back into the ocean, no damage was discovered on the vessel.

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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