Sebastian Junger’s creative nonfiction book, “The Perfect Storm,” was published in 1997 by W. W. Norton & Company. HarperCollins’ Perennial imprint later released the paperback edition (ISBN 0-06-097747-7) in 1999. The book recounts the devastating Perfect Storm that occurred from October 28 to November 4, 1991, and impacted North America. It specifically focuses on the crew of the fishing boat Andrea Gail from Gloucester, Massachusetts, who tragically lost their lives while longline fishing for swordfish approximately 575 miles (925 km) offshore. Additionally, it includes the thrilling narrative of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Tamaroa (WMEC-166) as they bravely rescued the three-person crew of the sailboat Satori amidst treacherous conditions in the Atlantic Ocean during the storm. This gripping story inspired a film adaptation with the same title, directed by Wolfgang Petersen and released in 2000. In this movie version, Mistral replaces Satori as the sailboat’s name, and a newer medium-endurance cutter measuring at 210 feet portrays the retired USCGC Tamaroa.
1 Plot
2 Crew members on the Andrea Gail
3 Other important people
4 Book controversy
5 References
6 External links
Plot[edit]
The book focuses on the lives of the crew of the Andrea Gail and their families, both before and during the 1991 Perfect Storm. Billy Tyne, Alfred Pierre, David “Sully” Sullivan, Michael “Bugsy” Moran, Dale “Murph” Murphy,and Bobby Shatford, all brought their own abilities and hopes as they boarded the Andrea Gail.They had grown up with the expectation of becoming fishermen, driven by the need for money. The early part of the book provides detailed descriptions of the fishermen’s daily lives and their work at the Crow’s Nest, a popular tavern in Gloucester. The latter part of the book focuses on the events during the storm at sea, including the rescue efforts for other ships caught in the storm. This includes the attempt to rescue pararescuemen who were also caught in the storm. Sadly, TSgt. Alden “Rick” Smith was lost from the helicopter during the rescue attempt. Despite a week-long search, his remains were not found. Maj. David Ruvola, Capt. Graham Buschor, SSgt. Jimmy Mioli, and TSgt.John Spillane, the second pararescueman, survived the helicopter crash. However, all six crew members of the Andrea Gail were presumed dead as they were missing.The Andrea Gail crew and ship were never found. Only a few fuel drums, a fuel tank, the EPIRB, an empty life raft, and other flotsam were discovered as wreckage.
Billy Tyne, the captain of the Andrea Gail, was previously married to Jodi Tyne before their divorce.
Robert “Bobby” Shatford was born on March 22, 1968 in Gloucester, Massachusetts. He played football in high school and lived above The Crow’s Nest where his mother Ethel worked as a bartender. Bobby was dating Christina “Chris” Cotter and they were engaged to be married. They met through Bobby’s sister Mary Anne. Bobby joined the crew of the Andrea Gail to earn money for child support payments as he had two children from a previous marriage.
Dale “Murph” Murphy from Bradenton Beach, Florida served as the cook on the Andrea Gail at 33 years old. He had shaggy black hair, a thin beard, and Mongolian eyes. Murph had a 3-year-old child and an ex-wife named Debra.
David “Sully” Sullivan became a replacement fisherman on the Andrea Gail after another crew member dropped out. Sully gained recognition in Gloucester for saving his entire crew during a previous fishing trip.
Michael “Bugsy” Moran also belonged to the crew of the Andrea Gail.
Alfred Pierre is characterized by Junger as a friendly individual with a wild reputation; he is described as a huge Jamaican from New York City who is kind-hearted. Before embarking on this particular trip, Pierre contemplates whether or not he should join but ultimately decides to go.Despite being shy,Pierre is well-liked by others.
Bob Brown, the owner of the Andrea Gail, has a complex reputation in Gloucester. Captain Billy Tyne often communicates with him through Captain Greenlaw, whom he considers a friend. Brown is both praised for his success as an owner and criticized for his propensity for taking risks. Some even refer to him as “Suicide Brown.” Meanwhile, Linda Greenlaw captains the Hannah Boden, which is the sister ship of the Andrea Gail. She and Tyne were in contact via radio before the tragic events took place. Additionally, Charlie Reed, a former captain of the boat, provides historical commentary throughout the book. This has stirred controversy among readers.
Despite controversies surrounding the book and movie, the film The Perfect Storm has generated its own set of disputes. The families of two crew members filed lawsuits against the makers of the movie, claiming that events leading up to the loss of the Andrea Gail were fictionalized.[4] In 2005, the Florida Supreme Court ruled against Captain Tyne’s family with a 6-2 vote.
Review 1:
It is a struggle as old as humanity itself and perhaps that is why the ongoing battle of human against nature resonates with such resilience in the hearts and minds of readers of the adventure tale. A solitary figure standing on a beach can rail against the elements of sand, sea, and rain and feel in control, but omnipotence rests on terra firma. Place that same person on a boat tossed about on a roiling sea, a sky reverberating with crescendos of thunder, water-bullets screaming from the heavens, and prayers for deliverance are the only words that pass humbled lips.
In October 1991, the Andrea Gail, a 72-foot swordfish boat located on the Grand Banks off the coast of Nova Scotia, starts its journey back to Gloucester, Massachusetts. Captain Billy Tyne becomes concerned when he receives troubling news about approaching storms over the radio. Despite having a successful run and a full hold of fish, the Andrea Gail sits low in the water. The events that occur in the next few days are depicted in Sebastian Junger’s compelling novel, THE PERFECT STORM.
Gloucester, a fishing village with a rich history dating back to 1623, has been known for its accepting community and unruly behavior that attracted resilient sailors from various locations. Its population grew along with its reputation. However, the harsh nature of the fishing industry had a significant impact on Gloucester. At its peak, around two hundred men were lost annually to the treacherous sea, which accounted for about four percent of the town’s population. Since 1650, it is estimated that approximately ten thousand Gloucestermen have lost their lives at sea.
The Grand Banks is not only a wealthy fishing region, but it is also situated on an unfavorable storm track. This track brings low pressure systems from the Great Lakes and Cape Hatteras directly over the prime fishing grounds. The combination of this dangerous occupation and the volatile weather conditions results in a mortality rate that surpasses that of a New York City police officer.
The Gloucester swordfisherman pursues a creature that aggressively slashes anything it comes across using the bony extension of its upper jaw. This includes schools of fish and even deckhands who may have misplaced their gaff. The fish can penetrate a boat’s hull with its sword-like appendage.
Harpooning was the primary method for catching swordfish in the 19th century. However, modern swordfishermen now use a technique that involves nearly 40 miles of line with over 1,000 baited hooks. While reeling in or releasing from the boat, one can unintentionally get caught on these hooks. Additionally, the constant motion of the rocking boat and continuous washing of seawater over the railings can affect a deckhand’s dexterity and balance. Despite these challenges, why would someone choose this occupation? The answer is simple – money. In the mid-1980s, even the lowest-ranking deckhand on a successful trip could earn an average of $10,000 per week. However, there were many weeks where no fish were caught resulting in failure.
Junger seamlessly weaves together the history of the region, the fishing industry, and relevant weather data with the personal lives of the crew of the Andrea Gail. This provides a comprehensive depiction of the everyday life on a Gloucester fishing vessel. The crew’s courage, hopes, and dreams coexist with their fear and respect for the powerful Atlantic Ocean. In the confined space of the boat, exhaustion is inevitable and discussions revolve around longing to return home. Little do they know that during this journey, each person will face an unprecedented event for the region – the convergence of three independent weather systems, resulting in a rare “perfect storm” that occurs once in a hundred years.
From the eerie calm before the storm, the Andrea Gail bravely enters the Sable Island storm as if entering a room. The wind immediately reaches forty knots, howling through the rigging. A moment later, Billy Tyne radios nearby fishing vessels, informing them of the wind blowing at fifty to eighty knots and the thirty-foot high waves. The last radio message heard from the Andrea Gail is a warning that she is approaching with great force.
Junger’s writing is impactful, providing intense depictions of the events that took place during those critical hours. His words engage the reader in the action, specifically emphasizing the brave endeavors undertaken by both the Coast Guard and Air National Guard in their rescue operations. Nevertheless, what distinguishes Junger is his empathy for the individuals who were part of this actual tragedy. By vividly documenting their experiences, he brings back the unfortunate crew members, reviving them from within the pages of THE PERFECT STORM and infusing the book with its emotional essence.
REVIEW 2:
The Halloween Storm of 1991 was a cruel and indifferent display of nature’s power. Sadly, all six members of the Andrea Gail were presumed dead after being caught in this notorious storm. This rare event occurred when three separate weather systems merged, an occurrence that happens only once every century. The boat endured relentless gale force winds and rogue waves resulting from the catastrophic fusion of a hurricane and a Nor’Easter. Despite Georges Bank being known as one of the world’s most treacherous fishing grounds, no one on board the Andrea Gail anticipated meeting such a tragic end. This haunting novel left me filled with anger as I thought about the families left behind – spouses, partners, parents – who relied on these men.
The book elicited a deep sense of compassion for the families and friends of the victims. Their loved ones didn’t simply die; they disappeared completely and were never afforded a proper funeral. Hence, this event has been dubbed “The Shipwrecked Story No One Survived to Tell,” an eerie depiction indeed. The strong camaraderie among the fishermen is extensively recorded. The reference to “a bartender put the money away for safekeeping says a lot about how fishermen chose their bars” (Junger, p.19) implies that this community is closely bonded.
Experiencing the loss of a parent is a personal and challenging journey. Having gone through the difficult process of coping with my own father’s death, I realize the obstacles families encounter during this time. It took me years of therapy and introspection to navigate through the pain. Nevertheless, I consider myself fortunate because my father received a dignified burial, providing closure for my family – an experience that unfortunately eludes other families who yearn for it. The thought of not knowing whether a father is alive or dead, particularly in life-threatening circumstances, is incomprehensible to me and evokes immense emotions.
The fishing trips sponsored by these companies demonstrated a complete disregard for human life, which filled me with immense anger. Despite being warned about the severe storm up ahead, they chose to sail back and risk losing their catch due to a malfunctioning ice machine. This decision clearly revealed their lack of concern. The statements “For 150 years, Georges, off the coast of Cape Cod, had been the main source of fish for New England” (Junger, p. 22) and “When the Hannah Boden unloads its catch in Gloucester, swordfish prices drop significantly across the world” (Junger, p. 36) emphasize how deeply ingrained fishing is in both New England’s economy and history. From cod to swordfish, the fishing industry has long played a crucial role in driving this region’s economy.
Despite the risks associated with the fishing industry, such as injury, death, and financial gain, it is worth considering how much knowledge fishermen had about these dangers. It seems unlikely that they were educated about their rights to a safe working environment. Instead, they grew up believing that becoming fishermen was their only option without being presented with other opportunities for personal improvement. While I commend those who earn an honest living within the boundaries of the law, it is disheartening that so few people realize their own potential. This lack of choice and the feeling of being destined to become fishermen out of necessity is a regrettable reality. Although I acknowledge the important role blue-collar workers play in driving economic growth, I believe it would be more empowering for individuals to have choices rather than feeling compelled to pursue a career in fishing.
However, the allure of money and respect may have made a dangerous job highly enticing.
“The shoulder muscles that resulted from a lifetime of such work made fishermen easily identifiable in public. They were known as ‘hand-liners’ and people would move aside for them” (Junger, p. 26) illustrates the reverence held for these men. Additionally, the prospect of having their own wealth, even if temporary, may have motivated them to confront the very real and probable risk of death.
It is intriguing to note that two crew members were compelled to abandon a highly profitable fishing trip due to premonitions. The passage disturbingly discusses a fortuitous occurrence that some may interpret as luck: “When individuals engage in hazardous occupations that could result in their demise, premonitions frequently arise. In commercial fishing—the country’s still most perilous endeavor—premonitions occur quite frequently. The challenge lies in recognizing when to heed them” (Junger, p.37-38). I am grateful that these men prioritized their families’ well-being instead of risking their lives for the sake of acquiring fish.
The notion that in today’s supposedly advanced era, a boat can vanish in the Atlantic Ocean, leaving behind only oil drums and radio equipment, is profoundly unsettling. It genuinely surprised me that there was no effort made to search for the remains of the ship. To be frank, I felt anger towards the apparent disregard for the lives of these men who willingly confronted nearly certain death and appeared to be more valuable in their demise than when alive. Despite being engrossed by this piece of writing, I couldn’t shake off the disconcerting sensation that insufficient measures were taken to guarantee their safety.
