Shipwreck rescues revealed. Meet Charles McGrath in Westport
Spinner Publications is launching its latest book, “Shipwreck! Horseneck Point Lifesaving Station & South Coast Rescuers,” with a public event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 22 at Partners Village Store, 865 Main Road, Westport.
Author Charles McGrath will discuss the book, sign copies and participate in a Q&A session, according to a community announcement.
“Shipwreck!” delves into the history of sea rescuers who risked their lives to save shipwrecked sailors and survivors stranded at sea. The book highlights the treacherous waters off Massachusetts, which have been a graveyard for ships for centuries.
The Massachusetts Humane Society, founded in 1786, played a crucial role in establishing lifesaving stations along the coast. A notable station was built in Westport in 1888. The United States Life-Saving Service, formed in 1848, further advanced sea rescue efforts and was a precursor to the U.S. Coast Guard.
The book details the innovative rescue techniques used by both the Massachusetts Humane Society and the USLSS. These included lifeboats and methods for shooting lines to distressed vessels, such as the Cunningham rocket, Hunt gun and Lyle gun.
The volunteer crews of the Massachusetts Humane Society and the professional surfmen of the USLSS shared a dedication to saving lives, often facing dangerous conditions to do so.
McGrath, known as Chip, is the former deputy editor of The New Yorker and a former editor of the New York Times Book Review. He is currently a contributing writer at The New York Times and the editor of “Golf Stories,” two Library of America volumes. He lives with his wife in northern New Jersey and southeastern Massachusetts.
The book launch event is open to the public, providing an opportunity for attendees to learn more about the history of sea rescue in the region and to meet the author.
For more information, contact Spinner Publications at 508-994-4564, email spinner@spinnerpub.com or visit spinnerpub.com.
This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
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