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Experience a gripping true story of survival at sea as The Emerson Center presents Michael J. Tougias, New York Times bestselling author, in a narrated slide presentation of his book Ten Hours Until Dawn. The event takes place on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.During the height of the Blizzard of 1978, the pilot boat Can Do, with five men onboard, set out from Gloucester to assist a lost Coast Guard boat and an oil tanker in distress. Ten Hours Until Dawn recounts the harrowing events of that night, when 40-foot waves and 100 mph winds challenged the courage and endurance of the men at sea.
Tougias, author of 30 national bestsellers including Fatal Forecast, Overboard!, and The Finest Hours, uses slides, maps, and historic photos to guide the audience through the storm and the boats’ movements along the Massachusetts coast. Audio recordings from the night, featuring the voices of the Coast Guard and Can Do crew, provide an immersive, first-hand perspective of the men’s ten-hour struggle for survival.
The presentation highlights the heroism, tragedy, and remarkable resilience of those involved. A book signing will follow the lecture. Students are encouraged to attend.
Event Details
• Topic: Ten Hours Until Dawn: A Blizzard of ’78 – Tale of Heroism & Tragedy
• Speaker: Michael J. Tougias, New York Times Bestselling Author
• Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
• Time: 7:00 p.m.
• Location: The Emerson Center, 1590 27th Ave, Vero Beach, FL
Don’t miss this unforgettable evening exploring one of the most dramatic ocean rescues in American history, brought to life by one of the nation’s leading storytellers of true survival and adventure.
About The Emerson Center
The Emerson Center's mission is to provide educational, enlightening, and thought provoking programs, alongside memorable musical events, for our community. As Vero Beach’s premier performance venue, The Emerson Center presents its acclaimed E-Series lectures, a lineup designed to engage, educate, and entertain. Doors open one hour prior to each lecture. While admission is free, a suggested donation of $10 is greatly appreciated.
The 2026 Emerson E-Series is sponsored by the Clean Water Coalition of Indian River County, a local 501(c)(3) dedicated to protecting and restoring our waterways.
The Emerson Center is located at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Vero Beach, 1590 27th Ave, Vero Beach, Florida 32960. For more information, visit TheEmersonCenter.com
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
1590 27th Ave, Vero Beach, FL, United States, Florida 32960
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