A call to remember fishermen lost at sea |14 May 2011

They had seen many a sunrise over our tropical shores as they headed out to sea for their daily catch.

These hard-working men have become the natural sight and fixture to many small villages along the coast of many of our islands.  So much so that their daily struggles have become almost invisible except of course for when those very efforts at sea under the baking sun or crashing waves and rain are rewarded with bountiful catches.

 At that time these men of ours become for the moment the centre of attraction and the talk of the dinner table as families nourish themselves on the catch of the day.

At other times – tragic and sad times – these men of the earth who bravely faced great odds, life and limb daily, in surroundings far away from the safety of the shores, and away from the smiling faces of their loved ones, meet the fate perhaps already written for them in their chosen profession, never to return.

Then at that time once again their names and prowess at sea become for the moment -- and for many the moment is brief indeed -- the centre of attraction.  A sad moment indeed when friends and customers alike learn of the loss at sea of the brave fisherman, who daily faced the struggles that for many of us will never see or experience.

Deeper still is the impact of that loss upon the family of that brave fisherman. Son, brother, father and not just a fisherman in the eyes of the family that he left behind, but salt of their flesh and blood of their tears – their everything.

Often these fishermen and their families rely heavily on the efforts of their labour, so their loss at sea is indeed deeply felt and long suffering for them.

Over two years ago tragedy struck families on the island of Praslin when two such fishermen were lost at sea.  Several days later their small boat was found drifting not far from another island just beyond the reefs.  Despite searches and valiant attempts, neither was found.

About a week ago we received a posting of a worthy event which will occur tomorrow, May 15, 2011 which will be held on the island of Praslin itself and by the Praslin Fishermen’s Association relating this story to us and to all on Facebook.

Their message communicated by Louis Bossy over Facebook was simple.  Let us see how best as a community we can raise awareness to generate interest for the event that they will be hosting at a well-known hotel on the island, this in order to raise some funds for the families who to this day still grieve at the loss of their loved ones.

Immediately we felt the impact of this as we are certain you do as well. That a community of fishermen from a tiny island in the middle of the ocean could reach out over Facebook to not only thousands of fellow Seychellois everywhere but to potentially millions of other “friends” around this globe of ours was fascinating and indeed inspirational.

Once again the plight of these brave men on this small island would come to the centre of our “universe” attracting many to their efforts and to the worthy cause.

Tomorrow the fishing association will gather to raise funds and awareness of not only the loss of life of two brave souls, but as well to help in some way to alleviate the financial burdens of the families who today still suffer.  Mr Bossy is one of the contacts and can be reached either on Facebook or by calling him directly on telephone number +248-2540001.
 
Contributed