July 22, 1895: The American Bark J.W. Dresser was wrecked on Diamond Shoals off Cape Hatteras, NC. The captain mistook the lighthouse at Hatteras for the lighthouse at Bodie Island. During a storm the captain was attempting to take to shore to avoid damage to his ship. Unfortunately most of the men from the lifesaving service were on vacation and the keeper of the lighthouse was asleep. The ship however, was finally seen and the crew were rescued.

© 2005 Michael W. Pocock
MaritimeQuest.com

Painting of a Bark by Thomas Somerscales 1910