Interpretive panel explains more about the Dil I

The Coast Guard cutter Diligence now has a better-explained place in Wilmington's history.

Today the commander of the Diligence helped unveil a new interpretive panel at the Cape Fear Museum that provides information about the Dil I.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary donated the marker for the Dil I, a 25-foot motor surfboat that was part of the Coast Guard cutter Diligence from 1991 until 1997.

Commander Doug Fears said the ship and the city have an interesting connection and history. “Children and other folks who come down to the Cape Fear Museum will be able to see the display read a little bit of that history and understand the connection. So I think it'll contribute to people understanding what we do and understanding the relationship between the city and the ship."

The current Diligence is the sixth ship to bear that name, dating back to the original. Based here in Wilmington in 1792.