Spread the news
SAVE & SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Friends of Fisherman Await News of Survivors
Tags: cape may, commercial fishing, Fishing, Lady Mary
CAPE MAY – Friends and family members of crew members of the Lady Mary, a 71-foot scallop boat that sunk early Tuesday about 75-miles off the Jersey coast gathered at Cold Spring Docks at the Lobster House during the day hoping for word of survivors.
They were also waiting to see if the boat’s owner, Roy “Fuzzy” Smith would come to the docks. Some of those gathered believed he may have been headed for Atlantic City where two victims were taken.
West Cape May resident Barbara Matthews was concerned her cousin Brian Jones may have gone out on the boat but found out about 2 p.m. he had not taken the trip. She said the men aboard the boat were church members of Christ Gospel and First Baptist churches of Whitesboro.
Another friend, who wished to remain anonymous, said the men were generous often giving away part of their catch.
James Hodges was waiting on shore. He said he had worked on the Lady Mary for three years having made his last trip in February.
Hodges said when a boat with one dredge that makes two or three drags, all the scallops accumulate on one side of the vessel along with the dredge, so when a big wave hits, it can turn over the boat from all the weight being one side.
He described the Lady Mary as being top heavy. Hodges said 16,000 to 17,000 pounds of scallops could be on board along with a 5-ton dredge.
Hodges said Jose Ariese, who survived the sinking, slept with his survival suit under his bed. He said each man had a survival suit but when a boat turns over, there may not be time to put it on.
Hodges said he slept with his survival suit under his bed as well. He said men sleeping at the bottom of boat would “catch hell getting off” the boat.
“They’re good fisherman, I worked with them over 20 years,” he said.
The Lady Mary left Cape May Friday March 20, said Hodges.
He said he believed Smith’s son, Roy Smith Jr., the captain of the Lady Mary, was on board along with with his brother “Timbo” and an uncle, Bernie.
Hodges said survival suits were often kept in the bottom of the boat and crew members may have not been able to get to them. He said suits could prevent hypothermia for six to eight hours.
MOST POPULAR - (Within past 5 days)
- UPDATE: Two-Year-Old Injured in Three Car Accident (5637)
- County Native Murdered on Mississippi Highway (4410)
- Parked Car Check Puts Pair in Jail for Alleged Drug Possession (3317)
- Contract-less Cape May Cops Picket Convention Center (2275)
- Sixty-Two Given Layoff Notices at Middle Township Schools (2162)
Calendar search
more topicsMOST RECENT SPOUT OFFS
Sea isle school
Posts: 39 | Views: 2127
Woman too fat to fly?
Posts: 20 | Views: 978
Body Found in North Wildwood??
Posts: 3 | Views: 232
more homes TOP HOMES
For rent: Dennis Township $500 1 bed 1
For rent: Dennis Township $500 1 bed 1 bath...For rent: Wildwood $624 1 bed 1
For rent: Wildwood $624 1 bed 1 bath...For rent: Wildwood Crest $775 2 beds 1
For rent: Wildwood Crest $775 2 beds 1 bath...
more classifieds TOP CLASSIFIEDS
Trades/Masonry- MASON LABORER
Trades/Masonry- MASON LABORER Full time, year round. No experience necessary. Heavy lifting requir...Restaurant- AVALON COFFEE CO.
Restaurant- AVALON COFFEE CO. Rio Grande Location Seeking BAKER, PREP DELIVERY COUNTER Avalon ...General- * DRIVERS WANTED Class
General- * DRIVERS WANTED Class A and Class B *CLERICAL WORKER * WAREHOUSE Apply within after 10a...
Login or register to post comments
Comments (28)
We welcome your thoughts, stories and information related to this article. Read our "Policies and Standards for Comments". Please report comments which do not comply with Policies and Standards. When you are logged-in, you will see a "Flag as offensive" button next to each comment.
Thu, 03/26/2009 - 11:23am - Posted by: Anonymous
We went down to the docks last night just to take it all in. The water was calm and the gulls were flying around. It was quiet and solemn there.Having grown up in a commercial fishing family,we really feel the pain of these family members.The ocean might have taken their bodies, but the Good Lord has their souls.May all the family members find peace knowing their loved ones will be with the Lord for all eternity. Stacey, if you need anything at all we are only a phone call away.Same goes for the Howell family.
Glenn&Nicole Wyatt and Bill&Alda Hopkins.
Thu, 03/26/2009 - 9:26am - Posted by: Anonymous
To all involved in this terrible tragedy, I, as an ex-commercial long line fisherman, who understands the danger and the anxiety of loved ones going to sea, wish peace upon you all, and I hope that your family and friends and your beliefs can hold and sustain you through this terrible accident. Pray for these brave, hardworking men, God Bless them, and all their children,families and friends. "Lord we pray to thee, for those in peril on the sea."..
Thu, 03/26/2009 - 7:51am - Posted by: Anonymous
To Roy "Fuzzy" Smith, Hazel Smith. I knew her sons Timbo & Bobo we use to call them as we was growing up in Mesic, NC. The brother "Tarzan' which his name was Bernie. My cousin Frankie Credle which we call "Fat Back Drum". He had this car we call the " Wild Pony" We all grew up in Mesic, I will miss these guys. So they will all be in our prayers.
Dalton Credle North Jersey.
Thu, 03/26/2009 - 6:42am - Posted by: Anonymous
TO: Tue, 03/24/2009 - 9:42pm - Posted by: Anonymous; "Is that the same Barbara Matthews that was just busted in West Cape May for drugs? My Prayers are with her and her cousin . What trajic events are happening with her family."
You are rude, evil & uncaring! Why would you even make a comment like this on here? No matter if that is what you think? What is wrong with people today??????????
Pray for those who are no longer with us today.
And pray for those that are evil!
Wed, 03/25/2009 - 9:02pm - Posted by: Anonymous
TO FUZZY HAZEL AND CORINA , DOUG AND REST OF THE FAMILY YOU ARE LIKE FAMILY TO US IN HAMPTON VIRGINIA OURS PRAYS ARE WITH YOU AND WIll CONTINUE TO BE WITH YOU. YOU HAVE BEEN ThERE FOR WOLF AND I . AND WE ARE HERE FOR YOU. WE LOVE YOU AND GOD LOVES YOU TOO
Wed, 03/25/2009 - 8:49pm - Posted by: Anonymous
Good coverage , Jack. Nice to see it online as well.
Wed, 03/25/2009 - 2:53pm - Posted by: Anonymous
It is amazing that someone is concerned more with the inspection of the boat rather than etending prayers and words of comfort to these grieving families. Those questions are irrelevant now because the tragedy has taken place. Please spend more time praying and asking the creator to grant these families with strength and grace. We must love one another even during difficult times.........................
Wed, 03/25/2009 - 1:46pm - Posted by: Anonymous
My prayers are with all parties involved. Just trust in the Lord to get you through this. God does evrything for a reason and didnt bring you this far to leave you. You will be in my prayers.
Wed, 03/25/2009 - 12:42pm - Posted by: Anonymous
My prayers go out to the families. The 942 pm comment what is wrong with you to ask a horrible question about Barbara Matthews? God will get you.....
Wed, 03/25/2009 - 12:20pm - Posted by: Anonymous
We all will be praying for all Families that has someone in this tragery. God Bless You all.
Wed, 03/25/2009 - 11:36am - Posted by: Anonymous
It's truely amazing, the very first comment has nothing to do with this horrific tradgedy. It seems as though some lonesome person has an extremely cold heart. This is not the venue for your love or hate for Ms. Matthews and her family. Your time could be better spent extending prayers, arms and words of comfort to all those families and friends during their time of grief. I will pray for you, also.
Wed, 03/25/2009 - 11:13am - Posted by: Anonymous
WHO OWNS THIS VESSEL? WHY DID IT SINK? FAULTY EQUIPMENT? LACK OF PROPER INSPECTIONS?
Wed, 03/25/2009 - 10:17am - Posted by: Anonymous
I WOULD BE VERYSURPRISED IF THEY SURVIVED WITHOUT THEIR SURVIVAL SUIT IT'S HIGHLY UNLIKELY THEY WILL????????
Wed, 03/25/2009 - 9:57am - Posted by: Anonymous
I did not know any of the men but feel compelled to express my thoughts and prayers for family and friends. Through these difficult times, take comfort in knowing a community is thinking and caring about you. Thank God for the US Coast Guard as well. They do an outstanding job and are doing all that is humanly possible to retrieve your loved ones from the sea.
Wed, 03/25/2009 - 9:34am - Posted by: Anonymous
Yesterday was a terrible day here. I feel so very badly and my prayers go out to the families of the missing and dead men. My fiancé is Captain of a scallop boat. He is out fishing in the same area as I type this with my son on the crew as well. I had many calls yesterday from local friends and out of town friends and family checking to see if it was our loved ones who were affected. I am thankful that it was not them, and my prayers and thoughts are with you whose loved ones are the unfortunate men who were on board this vessel. God Bless
Wed, 03/25/2009 - 8:52am - Posted by: Anonymous
Roy Sr., Hazel, Corina and all the Smith Family, the Lord Bless You and Keep You. The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you. The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace!-Rev.& Mrs. Kenneth Bell and Family(Bayboro, NC)
Wed, 03/25/2009 - 5:53am - Posted by: Anonymous
To 3:24/9:42-Is that the same Barbara Matthews that was just busted in West Cape May for drugs? WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH YOU??? ARE YOU SOME HEARTLESS MONSTER??? YOU HAVE A BLACK HEART!!!
Wed, 03/25/2009 - 5:34am - Posted by: Anonymous
FUZZY YOU ARE IN PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS I WISH YOU WELL *****MZ D FITZPATRICK
Tue, 03/24/2009 - 10:42pm - Posted by: Anonymous
Is that the same Barbara Matthews that was just busted in West Cape May for drugs? My Prayers are with her and her cousin . What trajic events are happening with her family.
Tue, 03/24/2009 - 10:12pm - Posted by: Anonymous
"The Lord is my Shepherd and I shall not want. He maketh me lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever: Amen"
HAZEL From North Carolina
Tue, 03/24/2009 - 10:08pm - Posted by: Anonymous
We are thankful for all the Coast Guard has done and is doing to save the crew members of the Lady Mary. And to the Cape May Herald for continuouscoverage of this story. We needed a way to keep up with what was happening with our classmate and friends!
-"Timbo's" classmates PCHS Class of 88
Tue, 03/24/2009 - 9:56pm - Posted by: Anonymous
I know Tim and Roy Sr. very well and I am devastated by their loss. I pray for the family and may God be with you all. My father is a retired commerical fisherman, it was always a blessing to have him come home.
Tue, 03/24/2009 - 9:46pm - Posted by: Anonymous
I grew up in a commercial fishing family. I have know the Smith family my entire life. Fuzzy my prayers are with your family as well as all of those on the Lady Mary. Pamlico County NC understands and feels your pain and sorrow.
Tue, 03/24/2009 - 9:35pm - Posted by: Anonymous
My husband is a commercial fisherman and my family. They go out of Cape May also. He is out to sea now. I received tons of calls today friends thinking it was his boat. I live the life day in and day out as a wife and mother. My heart goes out to the family my prayers are with you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless!!!!
Tue, 03/24/2009 - 9:19pm - Posted by: Anonymous
Im Praying For All The Families i Cant Look At It Without Crying Very Nice People I Knew Them And Loved Them All Sadly Missed,Gina DeJames.
Tue, 03/24/2009 - 7:18pm - Posted by: Anonymous
I am praying for everyone involved in this terrible situation, all of these guys were like family to me and my family. I am so so sad. I just pray the kids of all my brothers will be alright. I continue to pray. With all my love, deeply saddend. ANITA SENEY
Tue, 03/24/2009 - 7:01pm - Posted by: Anonymous
my prayers go out to the family of the missing and the confirmed dead. i could have easily been the on eon that boat today. along with another friend who didn't make it on this trip.
Tue, 03/24/2009 - 6:54pm - Posted by: Anonymous
I have a commercial fisherman in my family and I would die if anything like this happened to him I knew he didnt go out but was impelled to call him as soon as I heard. my heart goes out to those familys in mourning. And may they be safe with the Lord.