On this Day in Hatteras History: The Priscilla

August 18, 1899 The Priscilla, a barentine hailing from Baltimore, was on course for Rio when it was ran aground by the intense winds of hurricane San Ciriaco. At 3 a.m. Rasmus Midgett was on beach patrol headed southward from Gull Shoals Lifesaving Station when he came upon items washed ashore. Following the debris for nearly two miles, he heard cries of men about 100 yards offshore, who were stranded aboard what was left of the Priscilla. With no time to call for assistance, Rasmus directed each of the