New Book Unearths SouthCoast Shipwrecks and Lifesaving Heroes

Author Charles "Chip" McGrath gives us a look back in history in his new book Shipwreck! Horseneck Point Lifesaving Station and South Coast Rescuers. The book details shipwrecks off the coast of Southern New England during the 18th and 19th centuries and heroic attempts by rescuers to save the lives of those onboard.

McGrath resides in New Jersey and Southeastern Massachusetts. He shared some amazing stories on Townsquare Sunday.  

The Early Lifesaving Efforts in Westport

"There was an early lifesaving station in Westport, one of 69 stations in Massachusetts, and one of the very few that still exists," McGrath said. "When a friend suggested I write a book about the history of the Westport Station, I learned it really had no history. The building was there, the boat was there, and the rescue team was there, but it never really rescued anybody. So I broadened my search a little bit."

Get our free mobile app

Why Shipwrecks Were So Common in 19th-Century New England

McGrath said that tragically, there were many shipwrecks off the coast during the 1800s. "Navigation aids at that time were not very reliable, and there weren't many around, and most of the shipping was being done by sail, and sails were hard to manage in bad weather," he said. "Also, our waters were famous for its reefs and shoals, so shipwrecks were pretty much a fact of life."

"The first rescuers were all volunteers who belonged to the Massachusetts Humane Society, risking their lives by rowing out to the stricken vessel and attempting to save the mariners on board," McGrath said. The Humane Society also established lifesaving stations along the coast, including one in Westport built in 1888.

How the U.S. Lifesaving Service Transformed Coastal Rescue

The formation of the United States Lifesaving Service in 1848 brought national attention to the work of life-saving. Both organizations developed innovative equipment and systems to help save lives, like shooting lines to distressed vessels and more.

"The track records of both the Humane Society and the Lifesaving Service were kind of amazing," McGrath said. "Most of the rescue attempts were successful. The lives they saved were in the thousands."

Shipwreck! is published by Spinner Publications of New Bedford. The public is invited to a book launch event on Saturday, November 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Partners Village Store, located at 865 Main Road in Westport. McGrath will be on hand to discuss the book, sign copies, and take questions afterward.