From the interview with Norman Nolan of Port Townsend on December 19, 2006 by Patience Rogge at the Fort Worden History Center. Mr. Nolan served in the US Coast Guard and was keeper of the Point Wilson Light House in the 1960’s. This story concerns an incident when he was keeper of the light on Smith Island in the Strait of Juan de Fuca:

“There was a big round ball like a buoy floated in, washed up on the beach. And I looked at it and it had little dimples all over it. And every time I’d have an inspection I’d say, “You know, I think that’s a mine.” And the young officers didn’t, they had no idea. But I got an old Commander to come out there. I said, “I think that’s a mine, Commander.” And he said, “Evacuate the island.” It was a mine. It was a British practice mine. They sent the Navy out and they exploded it.”