The Wreck of the TB Witherspoon

Whenever a shipwreck on Nantucket was mentioned by islanders in the late 19th and early 20th centuries one was always certain to be recalled - the wreck of the big, three masted schooner, T.B. Witherspoon.  The details of this tragic wreck left an indelible memory, never to be forgotten by those who chanced to be on the frozen beach at Mioxes Pond on the island's southwest shores, standing by helplessly as they watched the men in the rigging of the doomed craft lose their grip in the icy shrouds and fall into the sea on that fateful day - Sunday, January 10, 1886. 

A note to listeners that this episode contains descriptions about loss of life that may not be suitable for younger audiences.   

Sources:

Intro and Main Narrative:
Stackpole, Edouard: "Life Saving Nantucket," Stern-Majestic Press; 1972.
p. 149-155

Music and Narration: Performed, Produced and Edited by Evan Schwanfelder.
Special Thanks to Katie Schwanfelder for all your help and for joining the discussion 
*Musical Note: Main Story Theme, instrumental cover; "Ashokan Farewell" by Jay Ungar

© Egan Maritime Institute, 2020