This isn’t the first time I’ve posted about fishermen lost at sea. It won’t be the last.
Such is the nature of our profession. More than a profession: every time we leave the dock, we throw the dice because, for so many of us, this is a life we love beyond all rationale or reason. Looking into the photos of the five young — so young! — Nova Scotia fishermen lost, I recognize that ferocious love. But that doesn’t help the families left behind.
Neither does this candle, nor this meditation on the true price of fish. Yet grieving is ritualistic. When loss at sea becomes so familiar as to feel inevitable, I turn to these rites.
Rest in peace, Captain Katlin Nickerson, Billy Jack Hatfield, Joel Hopkins, Steven Cole Nickerson, and Tyson Townsend. My heart goes out to your families and communities.
The quote from sir Walter Scott comes to mind: “It’s no fish ye’re buying, it’s men’s lives”. From the novel “the antiquary”
A tear rolls down a cheek for the families.
My sympathies to you and all of your soul mates. These are difficult times.
I remember when that storm rolled across New England. A big blow. I checked the forecast (from the comforts of my living room) for Georges Bank – 30 to 40 foot waves and winds around 70 kts. Not a pretty night to be offshore in any size vessel. I was hoping the grounds would be empty that night. But these guys were out – a small boat as well. My heart goes out to them and their families. I’ve been up to Nova Scotia a few times – the fishing communities are very tight up there. This loss will hurt for years to come.