1962 — Nov 15~, storm, New Bedford, MA scalloper Midnight Sun lost, Georges Bank– 11

— 11 Lowell Sun, MA. “61 Dead or Missing In Sea Disasters.” Nov 19, 1962, p. 34.
— 11 Sheedy, R. “The Midnight Sun.” Out of Gloucester.

Narrative Information

Sheedy: “New Bedford officials have not given up hope for the missing Midnight Sun, last heard from just before the storm that swept in on November 15th. The fierce Atlantic storm may have driven the two year old wooden hulled vessel far to the south of the George’s Bank scallop grounds. Coast Guard Search and Rescue officials said in Boston this morning two aircraft from the Salem Winter Island base and two long-range Navy aircraft from Brunswick, Maine, were scouring the ocean, with the center of the search then due east of Norfolk, Va. Weather conditions in the area were reported to be calmer today. Ten to 12 foot swells from the northeast, 25 knot northwest winds and visibility of 10 miles was the latest Coast Guard report. But another storm may be brewing in the area.

“Wednesday night, at the height of the storm, the Coast Guard reported 40 to 60 foot seas and 60 to 80 knot winds. Aircraft reported being hit by spray at 400 feet. The ferocity of last week’s storm was vividly described by the Coast Guard spokesman, who reported the Gloucester-based cutter General Green was on a search patrol off the Rhode Island coast and was blown ‘half way to Bermuda before she was through.’

“A memorial service was held at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Fairhaven [MA] on November 29 1962 for the 11 man crew.” (Sheedy; from reprint of Gloucester newspaper article dated Nov 20, 1962, titled “Local Man May Be On Missing Scalloper.”)

Newspaper

Nov 19, AP: “By Associated Press…. The 11 crewmen of the fishing scalloper Midnight Sun, out of New Bedford, Mass., were unaccounted for after a storm at sea Wednesday. The vessel failed to return to port when due Saturday.” (Lowell Sun. “61 Dead…Missing in Sea Disasters.” 11-19-1962, p. 34.)

Sources

Lowell Sun, MA. “61 Dead or Missing In Sea Disasters.” Nov 19, 1962, p. 34. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=55409900

Sheedy R. “November 20, 1962. Local Man May Be On Missing Scalloper.” Newspaper article transcribed by Sheedy in Out of Gloucester (website). Accessed 9-29-2022 at: https://www.downtosea.com/1951-1975/mdnghtsn.htm