Feb. 18, 1952, was one of the worst winter storms New England had ever seen. 100 mph winds had driven huge powerful waves just off the coast of Cape Cod. Two oil tankers, the Fort Mercer and the Pendleton were literally torn in half by the force of the storm.
Michael Tougias writes books about storms and the tales of heroism and survival to overcome them.
But when he heard about the rescue off the coast of Cape Cod, he was amazed more was not known.
He said, “It’s a major, major rescue right in my backyard. And there’s so little about it.”
In his book, “The Finest Hours,” Tougias covers the story of what is commonly known as the “Pendleton Rescue.”
Disney is even making a movie on this epic night, transforming numerous towns along the shore into the 50s era style.
Hours of talking to people who were there that night helped bring the story to life.
