American Coastal Rescue Craft: A Design History of Coastal Rescue Craft Used by the USLSS and USCG (New Perspectives on Maritime History & Nautical Archaeology)

"The most comprehensive work on the coastal rescue craft of the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Life-Saving Service. This work should be consulted by anyone interested in maritime search and rescue, especially from shore-based stations."--Dennis Noble, author of The Rescue of the Gale Runner

"Provides a detailed history of a very proud element of American maritime history, the development and evolution of the coastal rescue craft of the United States Life-Saving Service and its successor, the United States Coast Guard."--Clayton Evans, active member of the Canadian Coast Guard                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

William Wilkinson and Timothy Dring provide detailed history and technical design information on every type of small rescue craft ever used by the United States Life-Saving Service and United States Coast Guard, from the early 1800s to current day. By looking at these vessels, many of which featured innovative designs, the authors shed light on the brave men and women who served in USLSS and USCG stations, saving innumerable lives.

In the book and on the accompanying CD, rare photographs and drawings of each type of boat are enhanced by detailed design histories, specifications, and station assignments for each craft. Including motorized, wind-powered, and human-powered vessels, this work will become an important reference for maritime historians, rescue craft preservation groups, and museums, as well as members of the general public interested in these craft.

William D. Wilkinson, director emeritus of the Mariners' Museum in Newport News, Virginia, is a recipient of the Heritage Award from the Foundation for Coast Guard History for his contributions to life-saving and service history. Timothy R. Dring retired after twenty-seven years of active and reserve service on board U.S. Navy destroyers and frigates, as well as reserve duty with composite Navy/Coast Guard coastal warfare and harbor defense units.