It’s common for travelers to head to the Outer Banks in search of time on the sand, savoring seafood, and exploring lighthouses, too. But for all of the beauty and fun available on land, the Outer Banks hosts an equally appealing world under the waves. Today, it’s estimated that more than 2,000 shipwrecks are located off the Outer Banks. These wrecks lie in an area known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic, which stretches from Currituck to Bogue Banks. Outer Banks shipwrecks resulted from severe weather, warfare, piracy, and notoriously difficult shoals. The surrounding waters contain tugs, steamers, barges, submarines, schooners, fishing trawlers, and passenger ships. Clippers, recreational vessels, and lightships also rest within this famous “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” The following are a few of the shipwrecks that still fascinate Outer Banks visitors today.
The USS Monitor
The Monitor became one of the Outer Banks’ most famous wrecks after sinking off the coast of Cape Hatteras during the Civil War. The Union ship had gained national attention earlier in 1862 after battling the CSS Virginia at Hampton Roads. Later in December, the Monitor faced rough water while being dragged into the water. The vessel sank about 16 miles offshore, killing 16 crew members. The wreck itself was rediscovered in 1973 and later became the first site designated as a National Marine Sanctuary.
The Ephraim Williams
On December 2, 1884, Ephraim Williams fell victim to the Frying Pan Shoals near Wilmington. Unable to control the vessel, the Ephraim Williams drifted toward Cape Hatteras. While the crew was able to be rescued before the vessel sank, they endured 90 hours of shipwreck conditions before they could be reached by life-saving crews from the Cape Hatteras station.
The Priscilla
The weather was to blame for the destruction of the vessel Priscilla. The San Ciriacao Hurricane hit Hatteras Island on August 16, 1899, and didn’t cease battering the landscape for two full days. During this traumatic weather event, the Priscilla came ashore near the Gull Shoal life-saving station. Beach patrol first heard cries for help from the vessel on August 18, after the storm had already torn the Priscilla in two. Rescuers helped the crew reach shore, but the Priscilla became one of seven vessels lost along the beach during the hurricane. Six additional ships disappeared at sea.
The Mirlo
War was the culprit when it came to the sinking of the Mirlo on August 16, 1918. As this British tanker made its way up the North Carolina coast hauling gasoline, a German U-boat torpedo struck it midship and split the vessel in two. The crew quickly abandoned ship as the explosion ignited the gasoline onboard. Despite the fiery conditions, rescuers miraculously pulled the vast majority of the crew from the sea before the tanker sank.
Visit the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum to Learn More
Outer Banks visitors interested in learning more about the many wrecks that have happened along the Outer Banks over the centuries will want to make time for a visit to the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum during a stay. Located at 59200 Museum Drive in Hatteras, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and offers family-friendly scavenger hunts and rotating exhibits. It’s a great place to get a closer look at the mysteries and tragedies that still reign below the waves.
Book Your Trip to the Outer Banks Today
When you’re making your way to the Outer Banks, check out some of the remnants of the area’s maritime history. The only thing you’ll need before coming is luxurious accommodations to top off your trip in style. Pirate’s Cove Realty can help. Our wide range of rentals offers you homes across the Outer Banks! Reach out to learn more about our property options and to start planning.
