USCSS Robert J. Walker-- Part 5: Loss

That loss of 20 men was the greatest disaster ever suffered by any of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric  Administration (NOAA).

The commercial schooner R.G. Porter came to the Walker's assistance, recovered her survivors, searched for missing men and  brought the survivors to May's Landing, New Jersey.  Later that day, the Fanny, the schooner that caused the accident, arrived at  Cape May, New Jersey with damage consistent with a collision.

With the Civil War approaching, no inquiry was made into the loss of the Walker.  The Coast Survey did not pursue the Fanny's  presumed culpability in the incident.  No official ceremony was held to honor the lost men.

--Old B-Runner