The story of the Nomis is a tale of maritime perseverance and tragedy, embodying the transition from sail to motorized vessels in the early 20th century. Built in 1919, this 460-gross-ton schooner was a sturdy workhorse of the East Coast, transporting vital goods like lumber and coal. The Nomis not only braved the waters with its mix of sails and engines but also carried the legacy of a family deeply connected to the sea. As we delve into the history of this vessel, we uncover stories of hardship, resilience, and the inevitable decline of an era.
The Birth of the Nomis
Built in Pensacola, Florida, in 1919, the Nomis was a notable schooner of its time. This 460-gross-ton vessel featured three masts and the auxiliary power of twin, 4-cylinder Fairbanks-Morse oil engines. The Nomis was born in an era when the Age of Sail was coming to a close, yet U.S. shipyards continued to produce “motor schooners” like this one. These vessels, which combined sail and engine power, were versatile workhorses, transporting lumber, coal, fertilizer, and other bulk freight primarily along the East Coast of the United States.
A Family Affair at Sea
The Nomis had a unique connection to its master and owner, Charles C. Clausen. At 74 years old, Clausen was not only an experienced mariner but also a dedicated family man. He often sailed with his son, creating a strong familial bond on the seas. The Clausens hailed from Hempstead, New York, a town on Long Island, and they were no strangers to the waters of the East Seaboard. Their journeys occasionally took them beyond domestic shores, possibly even to Mexican and Central American ports.
Hard Times at Sea
Before her final wreck, the Nomis and her captain had endured a series of harrowing incidents. The U.S. Coast Guard had rescued the vessel at least twice in the previous three years, once off Cape Lookout and once off Martha’s Vineyard. The first incident occurred in 1932 during a severe gale on a journey from Philadelphia to Charleston, South Carolina. The storm caused significant damage, including the loss of the bowsprit and fore topmast, and left the Nomis “waterlogged and disabled,” as recalled by seaman Edward Brownlee. His account can be found in the J. Welles Henderson Archive and Library at the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia. At that time, only the cargo of lumber kept the Nomis afloat. The second incident occurred just ten months before her final wreck when a Coast Guard cutter rescued the Nomis 20 miles off Gay Head. The schooner, carrying a cargo of coal, was foundering amidst high winds, with shredded sails, downed rigging, and rising water in her hold. By the time the Coast Guard towed the Nomis into New Bedford, she had taken on five feet of water.
The Final Moments of the Nomis Shipwreck
Shortly after midnight on Saturday, August 17, 1935, the 3-masted schooner Nomis of New York met its fate on the outer reef of Ocracoke beach, near Six Mile Hammock, during a fierce southeast storm. Under the command of Captains Bernice Balance of Hatteras Inlet Station and Elisha Tillett of Ocracoke Station, Coastguardsmen rushed equipment down the beach to execute a daring rescue. By 7 o’clock Saturday morning, the crew, including Capt. Charles C. Clausen, his son Charles Jr., Michael Hotykay, Henry Wolzanski, Leon Jerome, and Albert Butes, were safely evacuated via breeches buoy. This rescue marked the end of an era, as the Nomis became the last schooner to wreck on Ocracoke.
The Aftermath and Legacy of the Nomis
The Nomis was bound from Georgetown, South Carolina, to New York with a cargo of 338,000 feet of lumber. Following the wreck, Theodore Meekins of Manteo, representing the underwriters, and other insurance agents arrived on Tuesday, August 20, to arrange a vendue of the cargo. The sale took place on September 6, after salvage operations provided temporary employment to several islanders. The remnants of the Nomis still rest on Ocracoke Island at approximately 35.08 N, 75.54 W, about 0.4 miles east-northeast of Ramp 67, just south of the Pony Pens. This location serves as a poignant reminder of the vessel’s final journey and the lasting impact of shipwrecks on the Outer Banks community.
Conclusion
The wreck of the Nomis in 1935 marks the end of an era for schooners on the East Coast and serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by sailors. The vessel’s final moments, marked by a dramatic rescue and the eventual salvage of its cargo, left an indelible mark on the Ocracoke community. The remnants of the Nomis, still present on the island, stand as a testament to the resilience of both the ship and the people who braved the treacherous waters of the Outer Banks. The legacy of the Nomis is not just a story of a shipwreck but a chapter in the rich maritime history of the region, reminding us of the courage and determination that defined the seafaring life.
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Join Us Next Saturday
We hope you found this episode of “Ocean Echoes: North Carolina’s Shipwreck Chronicles” both informative and moving. Join us next Saturday as we continue to uncover more stories of sunken ships and maritime mysteries. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on our latest episodes.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through history. Until next time, stay curious and keep exploring!
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