Pilots directed ships through the often tricky inlet system separating state rivers from ocean-going commerce. Specifically, the history of Ocracoke pilots and legislation governing them is presented.
The village in need of fresh water was Ocracoke. How this need was met for the almost four hundred year old town contained an irony. Desalinization entailed removing the saline from the water that surrounded them: the sea.
Standing by as a silent testament to the enduring importance of waterway safety were lighthouses. Half can boast being the oldest (Ocracoke, 1823), the tallest (Cape Hatteras, 208 feet), and is the brightest (Oak Island, 20,000,000 candlepower) in America.
Of personal interest to the author were also items of historical interest. Up close and personal was the view that he offered of sunken ships, as well as the marine life that lived around them. As visual illustration was a map locating the wrecked watercrafts, which included a German submarine. Accompanying the map was a brief description of each: an old boiler, LST#741, Richmond, Kyzickes, Zane Gray, U-85, and York.