Gloucester's Lost Fishermen

In 1991 the fishing boat Andrea Gail was lost at sea off the coast of Newfoundland with six crew members. Years later, Sebastian Junger wrote about the tragedy in The Perfect Storm, and in 2000 the story was released as a movie starring George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg. Hollywood came for a while to the fishing port of Gloucester to examine the local fisherman's culture, but for the residents who live in the city, the fishing trade has been a way of life for hundreds of years.

Gloucester, the nation's oldest fishing seaport, is a mixed-income city with about 30,000 residents. In the summer, tourists flock to the area, going on whale watches, relaxing at the local beaches, visiting the artists shops along Rocky Neck and nearby Rockport, and partaking in the summer festivals including St. Peter's Fiesta, which honors the patron saint of the fisherman. But it remains a real-life working fishing harbor with a history crafted by the tough men and woman who made their living weathering rough seas.

The city's Maritime Trail educates visitors on the region's boating history. In addition look for statues on Stacey Boulevard and the famous statue of the "Man at the Wheel" on the Western Avenue boardwalk by the coastline. The statue shows a fisherman behind the wheel of his boat looking out toward the sea. It is dedicated to "They that go down to the sea in ships, 1623-1923."

Getting There

Gloucester is a North Shore city that juts out into the ocean about 40 miles north of Boston. The best way to reach it is by Rt. 128. If you're heading from the south follow Rt. 128 north until you hit Gloucester. Be aware that Rt. 128 splits from I-95 (which heads to Maine) in the Peabody area. Stay on the left lanes and continue straight along Rt. 128 at the split.

Author: C. Danko
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