1897:

Assistance to lost persons near Oak Island, New York.  At 8:30pm the keeper received word by telephone that about a gentleman and two ladies, who had left the station at 4pm In a small boat making for the mainland, they had not yet reached their home.  As the weather was foggy and with the bay full of floating ice, it was feared they were lost.  He at once set out to their assistance with one of his crew in a rowboat and carrying a shotgun.  With frequent gunfire the bewildered party was located and assisted in reaching their destination.