Written by Maisie McNaughton, a deckhand on a lobster fishing vessel in Aldouane, New Brunswick, this First Person account recounts a harrowing experience at sea. To explore more of CBC’s First Person narratives, visit the FAQ.
The sou’easter intensified rapidly, causing choppy, short waves. Amidst the turbulent seas, my mother, known for her humor, quipped, “Drive it like you stole it!”
We maintained speed to stabilize the lobster boat, skimming over the tumultuous waves. Amid nervous laughter, I found solace in cutting our fishing trip short amidst the chaotic whitecaps.
Sitting at the lunch table, a routine spot for us, the situation seemed manageable until we veered starboard into a turbulent convergence of currents, suddenly struck by waves on the port side.
“Hold on!” my mother’s voice echoed as I clung tightly to the central metal pole, feet lifted off the ground, stomach in knots. Looking down at my mother with the raging ocean backdrop, her determined stance at the helm prevented a potential capsize as she skillfully steered us back on course.
Fortunately, we navigated from the Northumberland Strait to the calmer Richibucto River, relieved and sharing a post-survival laughter.
Later, we discovered a nearby boat had sunk just five kilometers away. In our close-knit community, news spreads fast, and we were relieved to know the crew was rescued. Yet, a sense of unease lingers when I recall that fateful day.
Venturing into the ocean demands courage.
My family embodies resilience, with a deep connection to the sea. My brother works on a container ship, while my mother, Debbie Thompson, broke barriers as one of the first female lobster captains in New Brunswick, boasting 24 seasons of experience. Over the past five years, I’ve followed suit as a deckhand on her fishing boat.
Being a woman in a male-dominated field feels natural, thanks to my mother’s trailblazing legacy.
In 2000, acquiring her own vessel as a female captain was a rarity. Even today, with only 33 female captains in the province, comprising just three percent of all captains, outdated superstitions linger regarding women at sea.
Despite skepticism, my mother’s perseverance led her to purchase her first boat, ‘The Toy.’
Inspired by her passion, I embarked on my own fishing journey on her latest vessel, ’13 Blue Lobsters.’
Fishing has become my sanctuary, a sacred experience amidst the vastness of the ocean, from witnessing starlit nights to vibrant sunrises.