Bruce Christ a crew member of the Mayport, Florida shrimp boat Miss Alberta died October 25, 2010 when the vessel capsized near Amelia Island, Florida. The NOAA weather buoy off St. Augustine, Florida recorded 5 feet seas with winds gusting to 21 mph when the vessel capsized. Fish and Wildlife spokeswoman Karen Parker reported the Miss Alberta took on water quickly in the lower compartments. Two of the other fishermen on board swam out an open window when the vessel began to roll over. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Coast Guard are continuing their investigation.
Commercial fishing is the most dangerous job in the nation. Fishermen face many perilous situations which are simply not present in land based occupations. Thankfully, maritime law protects the families of fishermen who unfortunately die while working the sea.
