The toll on the families of those lost at sea is immeasurable and The Gleaner in 1963, commiserated with those for whom the nightmare of not knowing was just as traumatic as it must have been for those whose stories have a question mark at its end.

Published July 6, 1963

GLEANER FRONT-PAGE EDITORIAL

For those in peril

The prayers of all Jamaica go out for those in peril on the sea, and especially concerning the fate of some 40 persons missing from these chores in the fishing boat, “SNOWBOY”.

It seems hardly likely that the stout little ship and its brave fisher folks could be safe and sound in some creek or cove of safety; a table floating at sea has suggested a horrible tragedy. But it could hardly be that they have all disappeared into the maw of the sea, without survivor!

Planes and boats are scouring the southern waters of Jamaica, and, hourly, new is expected. The boat which left on July 5 for the Cays will not reach there until this morning.

News today should be final: along with Jamaica we pray that it will not be fatal: yet along with Jamaica it seems that we should fear the worst.

The brave and hardy men who, as their proud profession, sequester themselves for weeks on end on lonely cays to fish so that they may have livelihood for themselves and family, and so that the delicacies of the deep shall be brought to the people ashore, are always heroes – of the original stamp of man braving the elements.

Too often do we forget their lonely vigils – under storm cloud, in searing sun and on burning rock – to bring the harvest of the deep so that we may eat.

Glory be to them: and may God preserve these forty souls in peril, and all their kind. 

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