During a massive freeze in the winter of 1918, the Cross Rip Lightship, anchored north of Nantucket, was held fast in a crushing ice floe. The Captain, stranded at shore, left first mate, Henry Joy in charge. Fearing for the life of the crew, Joy walked seven miles across the ice to Nantucket to ask permission for the crew to abandon ship. The country was at war and his request was denied. The Cross Rip, spotted from Great Point Lighthouse, was last seen flying a distress signal as the ice dragged her out to sea. The ship and crew were never seen again.
Special thanks to the Nantucket Atheneum for their Historic Digital Newspaper Archive and the articles therein which made this episode possible.
https://www.nantucketatheneum.org/research/eresources/historic-digital-newspaper-archive/
Sources:
Inquirer & Mirror, "Articles relating to the Cross Rip Lightship"
February 9, 1918 - March 30, 1918
Music and Narration: Performed, Produced and Edited by Evan Schwanfelder