Dubbed “the master of disaster” by Boston Public Radio, author Michael Tougias shared stories gleaned from his research of two daring maritime rescues on Thursday night.

Tougias, who wrote “The Finest Hours” and “So Close to Home,” saw the former become a movie by the same name. The film was released by Walt Disney Pictures in January.

“The Finest Hours” (published in 2010) recounts the true story of a four-man Coast Guard crew that set out on a rescue mission from Chatham in the winter of 1952. As darkness fell in the midst of a brutal nor’easter, the young sailors headed towards the SS Pendleton as it sank.

Tougias spoke at the Wareham Free Library during its second annual author’s night. Hosted by the Wareham Library Foundation, the event featured a one-hour presentation by Tougias attended by approximately 80 people. A fundraising dinner followed with all proceeds benefiting the library.

Led by 23-year-old Bernard Webber, the men braved thundering 50-foot high waves to save sailors aboard the Pendleton, an oil tanker that broke apart in the storm.

The crew rescued 32 of 33 crew members from near certain death. For his efforts, Webber was offered the Coast Guard’s highest honor – the Gold Lifesaving Medal. Tougias said Webber refused the honor, unless his mates also received the award.

All four were given gold medals for their heroic actions.

Unbelievably, the Pendleton was the second tanker that sank that day. Just 20 miles away, the SS Fort Mercer had also broken apart.

Tougias said a Fort Mercer crew member told him, “the bow went up into the air, straight into the heavens.” Then, it sank: “like a pile driver.”

Tougias said the Fort Mercer’s fate wasn’t featured by "The Finest Hours" producers, who he said turned him down for a role.

“I auditioned for a speaking part,” he said wryly. “And they told me to stick to writing.”

The second half of the presentation featured a discussion on Tougias’ latest book, “So Close to Home.”

Another true-life tale, the book chronicles how one family survived a German U-boat attack 40 miles off the Louisiana coast. It took place in May of 1942, during the early years of the U.S.’s involvement in World War II.

Tougias is the second high-profile author to help raise funds for the library. Last year, best-seller Anita Shreve spoke at the library and participated in a fundraising dinner.

Kerry Mello, president of the Wareham Library Foundation, said the events benefited patrons, helping to raise funds and awareness for the library. She said the foundation has raised more than $350,000 for the beleaguered library, which lost its certification in 2014.

Earlier this year, Mello said Wareham's Flagship Cinemas screened “The Finest Hours” during a special event. Afterwards, the movie house donated all proceeds to the foundation.

Thursday’s event was a part of that effort, she said.

“We've been fortunate to get some big name authors to come to our little library,” said Mello.