Historic shipwreck rescue drill re-enactment set Aug. 1, 15
The staff of Delaware Seashore State Park will re-enact a 19th century shipwreck rescue drill at the Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum at 5:30 p.m., Thursdays, Aug. 1 and 15.
The U.S. Life-Saving Service, the precursor to the U.S. Coast Guard, was established in 1871 in response to the tremendous loss of life from shipwrecks along the Atlantic coast and on the Great Lakes. A network of life-saving stations housed surfmen who patrolled the beaches every night, responding to ships in distress.
Delaware had six stations - Lewes, Cape Henlopen, Rehoboth Beach, Indian River Inlet, Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island. The Indian River Life-Saving Station is the only station still standing in its original location; it is now managed by Delaware Seashore State Park.
State park staff and dedicated volunteers will re-enact the rescue technique known as the breeches buoy system or beach apparatus drill. This ingenious drill allowed the surfmen to save shipwreck victims without launching a surfboat into the stormy waters. The re-enactment begins with the firing of a Lyle gun, a small cannon which shoots a line out to the wreck pole, a mock ship’s mast reaching nearly 20 feet in the air. From there, lines carrying the breeches buoy are sent up to the wreck pole, and several staff are “saved” and brought safely to the ground.
“The breeches buoy re-enactment is our time to shine as an historic site and as a state park,” said Laura Scharle, site manager. “If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind event, something off the beaten path, this is it.”
The cost for this program, including a museum tour, is $6.50 for adults, $4 for ages 6-12, $5 for seniors age 62 and older, and free for children ages 5 and under. Preregistration is not necessary. The museum is located 1.5 miles north of the Indian River Inlet, and 3.5 miles south of Dewey Beach. For more information, go to www.destateparks.com or call 302-227-6991.
