Heroic Tales of the Life Saving Stations Bring Nags Head’s Rich History to Life

Nags Head: A Glimpse into the Past with Heroic Tales of the Life Saving Stations

In the quiet coastal town of Nags Head, history comes alive with stories of bravery and determination from the early 1900s. Two tales stand out, showcasing the unwavering spirit of the local Life Saving Stations and their crews. They remind us of the challenges faced by sailors and the dedication of those who risked their lives to ensure the safety of others.

Midnight Rescue: The Tale of the Louis Bossert

On a foggy night, April 7, 1907 to be precise, the Nags Head Life Saving Station sprang into action. Around midnight, Keeper Van Buren Etheridge and his vigilant team spotted a vessel in distress, just a stone’s throw from their station. It was the schooner, Louis Bossert, which had lost its way in the thick fog and ended up stranded near the shoreline.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Keeper Etheridge quickly called for backup from their neighboring station, Bodie Island. With the beach apparatus cart ready, the crews collaborated to reach the troubled vessel. Despite the dim conditions, their commitment shone bright. Thanks to their teamwork, they successfully rescued a total of ten people, including both passengers and crew members.

The warmth of the station’s hospitality was on full display as they sheltered eight men for three days while they waited to return to their schooner. Meanwhile, the two brave female passengers remained in the warmth of the station for a few extra days until the Louis Bossert was floated, a feat accomplished five days after the initial mishap. The dedication and compassion shown in their response were genuinely heartwarming.

A Hard Day’s Work: The Struggles of the Lonia Buren

Just a few years earlier, on September 16, 1903, another dramatic event unfolded. The morning lookout at the Chicamacomico Life Saving Station noticed a signal flag from a schooner approximately three miles south on the serene waters of Pamlico Sound. Keeper Little Bannister Midgett led a dedicated crew to the scene to lend a hand.

The vessel in question was the Lonia Buren, a local supply boat from Kinnakeet that had unfortunately been driven into the marsh by a rough overnight storm. When the crew arrived, they found the master of the schooner requesting help to relaunch his stranded ship. However, it quickly became clear that they were not in immediate danger. Therefore, Keeper Midgett made the wise decision to return to the station while keeping a watchful eye on the situation.

Days passed, and it was not until September 28 that Keeper Midgett reached out to both the Gull Shoal and New Inlet stations for assistance. It took the combined efforts of multiple crews several days of digging and maneuvering to free the vessel from the marsh. Finally, on October 1, the Lonia Buren was freed and back on her supply run!

In his account of this laborious effort, Keeper Midgett succinctly summed it up with a simple yet poignant phrase: “It was a hard day’s work.” While these incidents may have taken place over a century ago, the spirit of cooperation and dedication remains an essential part of Nags Head’s identity.

Continuing the Legacy

Today, visitors can immerse themselves in this rich history by exploring the Chicamacomico Life Saving Station. It’s a place where echoes of the past meet the present, and the stories of those daring rescues still resonate. For those with a love of history and an admiration for heroism, it is definitely worth a visit.

So next time you find yourself in the beautiful Outer Banks, take a moment to remember these brave souls who cared for others and truly made a difference. Their legacy lives on in the heart of Nags Head, reminding us of the power of community and readiness to help those in distress.