From The Globe Pequot Publishing Group
Forward by Dr. James P. Delgado (excerpt):
"Those shipwrecks and the stories around them are profound human stories with meaning They are also stories that can be forgotten -- and often are in the fast pace of an evolving world with its own events and tragedies, as well as moments of exceptional human responses to those events. It is thanks to historians like James D. Charlet that these stories live on, introduced to modern audiences with fresh perspectives and additional research that substantially builds on earlier works. I will always be a fan of David Stick, whose landmark books on the Outer Banks remain on my shelves, but right next to them I will be placing Shipwrecks Rescues of the Outer Banks as another go-to resource. Sit back, now, and explore what defined heroism of the best sort of the rugged and dangerous shores of the Graveyard of the Atlantic."
Reviews for "Shipwrecks of the Outer Banks" (Book 1)
More than 6,000 ships have met their doom in the waters along the North Carolina coast, weaving a rich history of tragedy, drama and heroics along these picturesque beaches. Men have lost their lives and fortunes, and heroes have been made where the combination of mixing currents, treacherous coastline and shifting underwater sandbars spells disaster for even the most seasoned sailor. These are the stories of daring rescues, tragic failures, enduring mysteries, buried treasure, and fascinating legend.
James brings to life the U.S. Life-Saving Service: the heroes and shipwreck rescues activity off the North Carolina Outer Banks coast. The stories based on official records of extraordinary rich history of tragedy of the 3,000 ships that have met their doom in the waters along the North Carolina coast. The stories behind the shipwrecks illustrate the best and worst of mankind, showing courage and compassion.--Doug Stover, Retired Historian of Cape Hatteras National Seashore
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It showed me that, as much as I thought I knew about the history of the Outer Banks, there is a lot more that I didn't know. James Charlet has written an extraordinary account of the shipwrecks along the Outer Banks. From the earliest settlers through Blackbeard, colonial America and into the 21st century, he has captured the essence of why the Outer Banks is known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic.--Chris Wright, BMCM, USCG (ret); Surfman 309
James Charlet is one of America's finest storytellers today. With experience as a historian, manager of the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station, and a lifelong student of maritime legends, there is no better subject for him than the true stories of nightmarish shipwrecks along the notoriously dangerous North Carolina Coast. Shipwrecks of the Outer Banks offers in-depth looks at some of the most famous shipwrecks to date and what caused them. He puts the reader right there on board the distressed ship or in the life-saving surfboat with the angels in oil coats struggling to rescue their fellow mariners. Well illustrated and peppered with fascinating behind-the-scenes explanations, this book is hard to put down.--Cheryl Shelton-Roberts
If you have ever experienced James Charlet relating the history of the U.S. Life-Saving Service and tales of heroic rescues by the Chicamacomico Station, you know you are in for a treat. I have watched as James held his audiences spellbound, from small children to older adults, and this book does not disappoint. He does a masterful job weaving the history of the U.S. Life-Saving Service (now the U.S. Coast Guard), explaining why the Outer Banks of North Carolina are the "Graveyard of the Atlantic," and recounting seemingly impossible rescues of passengers and crews of unfortunate ships foundering off the coast. In addition, the author explains nautical terms to landlubbers so that we can better appreciate and understand what actually happened. He also relates how certain wrecks impacted the history of the United States, such as the loss of the SS Central America adversely affecting the fragile economy and political climate of the time. James Charlet has written a masterpiece that not only preserves the heroism of the brave surfmen of the U.S. Life-Saving Stations but reveals little-known maritime history. A MUST read for all persons serving in the U.S. Coast Guard!--Martha Jackson, Chief Curator, Division of State Historic Sites and Properties, NC Dept. of Natural and Cultural Resources
Along North Carolina's coastline is a land barrier known as the Outer Banks. For many years people who have lived there pursued the dangerous profession of commercial fishing. Others flock to the Outer Banks to enjoy the beautiful beaches. There is great beauty on the Outer Banks, but sailors know the other reputation of the region: "The Graveyard of the Atlantic." The sea floor on and near the Banks are strewn with shipwrecks along with hundreds of deaths. All of this eventually led the United States government to seek ways to try to stop the carnage. One of the ways would eventually become the U.S. Coast Guard. The history of the Banks is replete with tales of heroism, and death. James D. Charlet has gathered a very good selection of some of these events. Those who are interested in the sea and dramatic sea rescues will find much of interest in Shipwrecks of the Outer Banks: Dramatic Rescues and Fantastic Wrecks in the Graveyard of the Atlantic.--Dennis L. Noble
Keeper James methodically reveals his passion about the Lifesaving Service. I was amazed by his knowledge on this important piece of American History, and his diligent attention to the details. The 1918 rescue of the SS Mirlo's crew in Chapter 3 stirred my excitement and almost brought me to tears. Such heroics exceed my imagination. Hat's off to a master storyteller! This history deserves to be told and retold. America is in need of heroes to spur each of us to go above and beyond what we think we can accomplish. These ordinary men from the Outer Banks of North Carolina performed superhuman feats of courage, exemplifying the true meaning of the "golden rule." I would like to have known some of them on a personal level, across the table over a cup of hot coffee on a cold and windy day. They are simply inspiring!--Lewis C. Forrest, Chair, The Friends of the Outer Banks History Center.
VIDEO:
Outer Banks: Graveyard of the Atlantic, Overlook Horizon video with me as one of the consultants. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mn8PnNGf_2Q
A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM KEEPER JAMES
My second Shipwreck Rescues of the Outer Banks book was released internationally by Globe Pequot Publishing Group on April 15, 2025. Two days prior, we hosted a local Book Launch event at the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, South Nags Head, NC. The publisher had sent me some advance copies. I decided to do something special with them.
These very special copies are designated for sale at $50 each as partial fundraisers for a local nonprofit, the Outer Banks Coast Guard History Preservation Group.TM
I founded this 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to preserve our maritime structures, archives, and heritage. Currently the goal is to rescue the 1898 Oregon Inlet U.S. Life-Saving Service Station No 16/Coast Guard Station No 176. Located at the southern end of the new Basnight Bridge, this majestic structure is the focus of fundraising on several levels.
We could use your help!
If you would like to make a donation, please visit the nonprofit's website at www.OBXcoastguardHPG.com
If you would like to purchase a copy of Books number 3-10 currently still available at $50 per copy (+tax, s/h), please contact me; see details on CONTACT page. Remember, a portion of the proceeds directly benefit the OBCGHPG.com
LINKS TO SOME PUBLISHED WRITING- Magazine Articles Only
UPDATING coming soon...
Hurricane Matthew & USCG Station Hatteras Inlet Community Response, March 2017
http://midatlantic.coastguard.dodlive.mil/2017/03/neighbors-in-blue/
Wreck & Rescue: The Journal of the U.S. Life-Saving Service Heritage Association, Winter 2017, Volume 17, Number 4, pp. 11-13, “Shipwrecks and Rescues of the Outer Banks Series – The Wreck of the Huron.” No link available.
The Island Breeze magazine, November 2016, “Shipwrecks and Rescues of the Outer Banks: The Ephraim Williams and Motto Maker of Cape Hatteras.
http://coastobx.com/stories-and-news/history/shipwrecks-and-rescues-of-the-outer-banks-the-wreck-of/article_614e081e-c090-11e6-bbb2-4f331b0f3749.html
The Island Breeze magazine, June 2016, “Shipwrecks and Rescues of the Outer Banks: The Wreck of the U.S.S. Huron,” p. 16, 28.
http://coastobx.com/shipwrecks-and-rescues-of-the-outer-banks/
My Outer Banks Home, Spring 2016
“Lifesaving Traditions of the Outer Banks, Part I”
http://myouterbankshome.com/lifesaving-tradition-outer-banks/
AAA “Go” Magazine, April 2016
“The Wright Brothers Story You Didn’t Hear.”
http://aaatalks.carolinas.aaa.com/go-magazine/carolinas/coastal/the-actual-wright-brothers-story-you-didnt-hear
Our State Magazine, Dec 2005, pp. 25-27 “Mirlo Rescue”
http://digital.ncdcr.gov/cdm/compoundobject/collection/p16062coll18/id/85090
My Outer Banks Home, Summer 2016
“Lifesaving Traditions of the Outer Banks” Part II
http://myouterbankshome.com/lifesaving-traditions-outer-banks/
Island Breeze, July 2016
“Shipwrecks and Rescues of the Outer Banks
Aaron Reppard and the San Ciriaco Hurricane.”
http://coastobx.com/shipwrecks-and-rescues-of-the-outer-banks-2/#more-10081
Island Breeze, August, 2016
“Shipwrecks and Rescues of the Outer Banks
Rasmus Midgett and the Single-Handed rescue of the Priscilla.”
http://coastobx.com/shipwrecks-and-rescues-of-the-outer-banks-3/
EnrichingTheList@historicengland.org.uk
My description of “Pryor House” that our family lived in from 1960-1962, East Hanney, Oxfordshire, England.
http://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1261616.
BOOK 2, Shipwreck Rescues of the Outer Banks was released April 15, 2025!