Too Eager, Not Mandatory, ...Result Death
First day of Lobster fishing
The First Day Of Lobster Fishing resulted in tragedy for a captain and his crew. Three miles out after exiting the harbour in Belle Cote/Margaree, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada, Gunsmoke's boat quickly sank. One too many traps, a little too eager to get them all set before the other fishermen, and not enough power to carry such a heavy load caused the boat to tip and sink. The captain's father-in-law had joined them for the 1st trip. He, himself was a retired fisherman and Captain. The plan that day was to get as many of their traps set in the best fishing area as possible. Each Lobster license holder is allowed 275 traps. Most boats can only carry 200 and return for the remaining 75. Gunsmoke and his crew took all 275 on their first trip.
Regretfully, and sadly their plan failed and resulted in tragedy. The father-in-law (named Tallman) drowned. The Captain, Gunsmoke could swim and was rescued. The other crew member had first drowned but was revived and remains in hospital with water in his lungs.
It is estimated that 75% of all fishermen cannot swim--not one member besides the Captain on board that day could. Life jackets, the ability to swim, and a stipulation to the quantity of traps/limitation should be mandatory. Sure, accidents can happen but with better regulations fatalities can be prevented.
