The seas off the coast of the Outer Banks are among the most treacherous in the world, fully justifying the title “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” In this blog from Carolina Designs, Kip Tabb tells the tale of two tragedies–tragedies that ultimately led to the creation of the United States Coast Guard.
“The winter of 1877-1878 was one of the most tragic there ever was on the Outer Banks. Two ships ran aground in heavy seas—the USS Huron and the steamer Metropolis. The loss of life shocked the nation. Perhaps most tragically, the tragedies could have possibly been prevented.
The Huron was launched in 1875 and had already sailed almost around the world when she left port in Hampton Roads on November 23, 1877. Almost immediately the ship ran into heavy seas and encountered a storm moving up the coast from the south.”
[box type=”bio”] Bringing home the reality of why the Outer Banks is often referred to as the Graveyard of the Atlantic, this blog posted by Carolina Designs tells of two of the most horrific tragedies.[/box]