The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1898-01-11

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10 go out twenty-five miles In the
| open sea In O small boat, subject to the
sudden Nwlnds that spring up OFF the
diamond Shoals. Is, indeed, q danger
Gus undertaking, and Captain Gaskins
himself says he would not relish such
trips as regular business. The ship
lies about five miles east of the outer
diamond; about twenty miles east OF
the village Of HRtteras, and about
twenty-five miles east Of Hatteras inlet
bar She is about thirteen miles Off
shore from the most extreme point Of
land at Cape Hatteras.
There has been considerable discus
sion among. the people OF this locality
as to whether or not the ship LIS loca ted
exactly In the proper position, some
claiming that she is too far out from
the shoals, and others averring that her
position Is not exactly right from one
reason or another Captain Gaskins
who wds mentioned before having
been the only person from here to visit
the ship. and being thoroughly familiar
with the shoals by reason OF his service
or nearly lifetime as Eloth local
and coasting pilot. was asked for his
OPINION on this point. He stated that,
IN his opinion. the position of the ship
could not be improved upon, and vert
on 10 say that IL he was now In the
coasting service or sailing in any yes-
Sci that necess!tated his having to pass
Hatteras and could be given his choice
as to the Location of the vessel, he
would let her remain in exactly her
present position.
In this light ship. the light house
usphrHnent seems ito have at last solv-
ed the long mooted problem of nInc,nr
a warning on the Diamond Shoals
Various plans bearing on this question
nave In the past been brought forward
and abandoned, and the light shin
seems to be the only really practicable
plan that has presented Itself. AT one
time II was intended to build a IIrht
house on the shoals, and the Congress-
OF 1880 appropriated 100000 for this
purpose.
an the summer OF 1891 work was
started on this project. In July OF that
year huge caisson was brought down
through the sound and taken ont n
the shoals and sunk. This caIsson
was intended for foundation for tho
hght mouse. and was to be built upon
as fast az 1t settled in the sand. I'm
fortunately however A severe north.
easterly gale came up immediately ar.
Ter " had been placed in position and
peiors II could be worked upon the
heavy seas had Undermined 1t and II
sreened over and sunk. This project.
.idN INCH COST Tile contractor
about 100000 was abandoned. There
LIB now scarcely any question TINT the
tlght ship off Diamond shoals shoals Is
MIXTURE, and many will be the lives
that VIII be saved In consequence OF
the warming which Is now there. and
which has SO long been needed. MANY
VIII be the ship that. struggling along
through the storms and darkness, will
sight the friendly CLEAN OF this warn
ing light. and putting about" viii
sail for the open SEA and cafcty and
escape the wreck and disaster that
awaits the ship which once gets into
'rhe treacherous waters of the dreaded
Diamond Shoals. Many n brave and
gallant sailor. that otherwise would he
swallowed up In the raging and surg
ing waters Of these dreaded shoals
where the very waves seem to sing In
mockery of any cffectual aid that can
come to the unfortunate castaway. will
now be returned to home and friends,
ana sitting around the Preside sur
rounded by loved ones, will sing the
praises of the monltory beacon that
sent his ship away from danger and
death. All hail then to the gallant III
lie Light Vessel No. 50" off Diamond
Shoals! May she long ride the turbulent
waves OF the old Atlantic, and NAV her
NOBLE captain and gallant crew long
i've IN the excellent service they are
noinG Tor the sake of humanity!