14305a. (photo) Crew U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Dexter After Sinking Schooner “I’m Alone” c.1929. Clear close press photo shows great detail as the Chief Engineer and crew pose on deck. The Dexter was forced to fire on the schooner “I’m Alone” when their captain refused to surrender or allow the cutter’s officer to board and search the vessel. The I’m Alone was a notorious smuggling vessel, having been engaged in smuggling liquor into the United States for several years. Until the latter part of 1928, the I’m Alone operated on the New England Coast and had caused the Coast Guard forces a great deal of trouble. The commanding officer of the Dexter spoke to the master of the I’m Alone through a megaphone and informed him that the I’m Alone would be sunk unless it obeyed the command to stop. Warning shots were fired ahead and when the vessel did not stop, the Dexter fired through the riggings and later put a dozen shots into the hull of the I’m Alone. The sea was too rough to permit the I’m Alone to be boarded and seized by force and the furthermore the master of the I’m Alone waved a revolver in a threatening manner indicating that he would resist forcibly any attempt to board his vessel. The I’m Alone sank at 9:05 a.m. on March 22. The Coast Guard vessels picked up the members of the crew of the I’m Alone with the exception of one person who was drowned. When the body of this seaman was taken from the water, the members of the Coast Guard worked more than two and one-half hours in an attempt to resuscitate him but without avail. The Dexter’s crewmen shown are all identified on the back. Measures 8” x 10”. Includes description on back. (VG+). $56. (x)