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Commercial Fisheries News
Volume 36 Number 1
September 2008
In midst of grief, RI foundation dedicates fishermen’s memorial
NARRAGANSETT, RI – On July 27, with the loss of the Sea Breeze and her captain fresh on their minds, about 100 people crowed into the Bon Vue Inn to remember Rhode Island fishermen lost at sea over the last 60-plus years.
The event was a dedication for family, friends, and supporters of the Point Judith Fishermen’s Memorial, which is located on a spit of grass and sand overlooking a breakwater and the ocean. The memorial includes benches, a granite compass, and two pink, gray, and black stones that bear the names of 56 local fishermen who have died at sea.
The oldest names – recovered from the logs of harbormasters – date back to the 1940s, according to Mike Marchetti, president of the Point Judith Fishermen’s Memorial Foundation.
“The site was chosen as a quiet place of reflection to honor the memories of those taken from us,” Marchetti said.
Planned for several years, the memorial “is away from the bustle of Galilee but within sight of it,” he said, adding that commercial fishing boats will pass by it as they head for open water.
Phil Ruhle Sr. was mentioned often during the dedication. Ruhle, who first stood on a fishing boat as a boy, disappeared on July 23 when his 80' trawler capsized in 8' seas off Atlantic City, NJ (see story previous page).
Rhode Island Gov. Donald Carcieri, one of the dedication ceremony speakers, said that Ruhle, whom he nominated to the New England Fishery Management Council, served there “with great distinction.”
“The tragic loss of Phil reminds us again of what fishermen face day in and day out,” the governor said.
Others remembered
Chris Brown, president of the Rhode Island Commercial Fishermen’s Association and another of the speakers, remembered several others lost at sea.
He told of how, on a frigid night in 1987, the sea took skipper Brian Jones and three crew members – Andrew Forsythe, Rowland Bowen, and John Trboyevic.
“Brian was my friend since childhood and general partner in hell-raising back when we were both young enough to do it,” Brown said.
He also remembered Bruce Loftes as being outwardly gruff but generous, adding that Loftes shared his skills and produced “many fine captains.” And, Brown recalled his brother-in-law Scott Westcott as a fisherman who was “genuinely excited to see the next sunrise so that he could learn more.”
The foundation raised funds for the memorial and received an easement from the state Department of Environmental Management to construct the 5'-high granite memorial.
Through the governor’s office, the foundation said it especially wanted to thank the following major supporters and contributors: Kenneth Castellucci and Sons for providing the stone and all design support and engraving; Donald Jackson Surveying; South County Foundations; Jeff Bertwell for designing the bronze plaque; Jeff Farrel Landscaping; Bill Barney Stamped Concrete; Narragansett Lions Club; Cullion Concrete; Friends of Billy Carr Fishing Tournament; and a great many others.
Paul Davis
Lorelei Stevens
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