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The Bessie White was a Canadian coal schooner that went aground on Fire Island, about a mile west of Smith's Point. Conflicting historical records date the wreck to either 1919 or 1922.
On February 6 at approximately 4:30 a.m. heavy fog caused the Bessie White to run aground and the vessel quickly filled with water. The crew waited in the dark fog for day break when they launched two boats and escaped to shore. One boat overturned, injuring one crew member who was brought to shore and treated by the Coast Guard. All of the crew survived but the Bessie White and its cargo of coal was a complete loss.