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It's Bill, 1/26/25: Downeast Snow Storm

Traditional Views of the Weather

Friday night, 6 PM, David called it: “When the wind is blowin’ outta the South, we all know what that means.” David Lord, Lubec, 70, retired lobsterman [“I don’t fish no more”]. We all talk about the weather; however, locals here retain terse, traditional views about the weather and live or die with it.


A Weekend Snowstorm in Downeast Maine

This weekend, Sunday night, the wind blew strong from the south, bringing 8”-10” overnight. A beautiful snow balanced on spruce branches. Life slowed right down; it took a while digging out. We walked in snow over our boots, enjoying just being out. Teri dug out to her chicken coop. Pat Fry and Laura went to Moosehorn National Park in Charlotte to cross-country ski on their groomed trails.




The Fate of "Sudden Impact"

Unknowingly, David called it. We learned Saturday morning, at 5 AM, that the 34’ scallop dragger, “Sudden Impact,” left Cobscook Bay to return home to its port, Jonesboro. The "Sudden Impact" crew was advised by local bay fishermen not to leave due to rough storm conditions, particularly beyond West Quoddy Head in Grand Manan Channel. The father and son crew encountered foul weather and “unfavorable conditions.” They decided to run into Cutler Harbor, about halfway; however, conditions became “unreachable.” Reported missing at 5 PM Saturday, a Search and Rescue (SAR) operation commenced two hours later, headed by the Coast Guard with multiple agencies.


The Search and Discovery

I heard an airplane, possibly a helicopter, probably operating out of Eastport’s airport between 2-3 AM Sunday morning. A helicopter was spotted at 9:45 AM Sunday. Later, Sunday, I received a message from my friend Dave, with the Coast Guard Auxiliary, confirming the search was underway. The search was called off later Sunday.

On Tuesday, a local fisherman searched and found “Sudden Impact” underwater at the inlet entrance to Moose River in the northern end of Cutler. The fisherman wanted to raise it; however, the Coast Guard told them to stand by. The inspection and salvage of “Sudden Impact” is now a Coast Guard operation.


The Harsh Reality of SAR Operations

Unfortunately, SAR operations here are not unusual. West Quoddy Station is an ex-USCG Small Boat Station, previously Lifesaving. Now it’s called SAR. Two SAR searches started at WQS in 2023 and 2024.

When we hear the rescue planes or see the search boats, we know. We all have the same questions: Who? What boat? When was it last heard of? We watch, we worry, we hope. We all know the outcome. By that time, it’s too late. We grieve.


Remembering Lost Fishermen

Our Downeast fishing community is greatly aware of the risks in fishing, particularly dragging for scallops or urchins. The Lost Fishermen's Memorial, with lost fishermen named on granite waves, was created at Lubec’s boat ramp about 15 years ago. The need for the memorial continues.


The Lost Fishermen's memorial
Lost Fishermen's Memorial


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