Lost At Sea Paperback – August 2, 2000

Reluctantly I got this book and read it. Only because I am from the small fishing town in the San Juan Islands that these men were lost from. Many of them were my friends from school and relatives. I wanted to see if the accounting of the story was accurate. Mostly because its about family and friends for me and I want their stories to be told and remembered truthfully and accurately. The families actually did have offers to have a movie made but declined because they did not want to relive the horrific tragedy. The nearest movie in comparison for me is "The Perfect Storm" which I had to turn off because it was just too accurate and real and scary. You see I am a former Bering Sea Fisherman myself and these were my friends, brothers and family.I am happy to report that the book was a quick read which for many might be even quicker since they won't be tearing up at certain parts. But I'm also happy to report that the events that happened were truthful and accurately told even when blame or accusations were placed and told about in the story. Mr. Hendricks and his company and his son were friends of mine, I played little league with his son. I have no doubt that he really believed these vessels were the best ever built (they were for that time period) and did not cut corners for profits or otherwise. This is simply an accidental horrific even that occurred and the book will explain exactly what that was.But anyway.. its a great book and I am proud that Dillon took the time to do his research whether good, bad or ugly and has documented the story and the memory of my friends and family with respect and truthfulness. Great job and thank you. I myself was fortunate enough to survive the terrible waters of the Bering Sea for many years and am now long retired but those were my friends, my brothers and my family. So again.. many thanks Mr. Dillon.

Page turner and educational book.Eye opener with regards to the rugged and rogue Alaskan fishing industry

This well written and thorough documentary lavishly portrays the human character, legal and technical intricacies of late 20th century commercial fishing in the Bering Sea. I found it hard to put down.Note: this book is a factual undertaking, not a suspenseful sea story. It makes the case for the necessary regulation that was finally passed to ensure a greater level of workplace safety in the Alaskan and other U.S. fisheries. Fatalities are now (c. 2016) down into the teens per year as opposed to the hundreds during the 1980's and 1990's.One other reviewer, claiming to be an Anacortes local, says there are exaggerations in this book, I don't know. I do know a close relative of two of the victims of the A-Boat sinkings and he says the book is generally accurate, which led me to read it.UPDATE: I have since gotten to know some of the central characters in this book. Still nobody who challenges its accuracy. I do find the lack of an index frustrating, as I want to use it as a reference. For instance, some of the folks here in Anacortes do not celebrate Valentine's, as that is the day one of the boats and her crew were lost.

I could not put this book down. What a fascinating overview of the fishing industry in the United States, and the forces that keep us from protecting both the fisheries and the fisherman who work in unimaginable conditions. I have spent a fair amount of time on sailboats so I have a healthy respect for the sometimes completely unpredictable conditions at sea, but these descriptions of wind and wave are breathtaking. I wish this book would be developed as a film to reach a wider audience. It feels current and deeply relevant to read it in 2022 as weather patterns increase in severity. Carefully researched and smoothly edited for a wide audience, this book is a spellbinding read. Highly recommend!!

We live in Anacortes with the legacy of this tragedy. Lost at Sea was this month's book club topic and we attended last night. As a young man I remember seeing these boats and had relatives who fished for king crab in the Bering Sea. As a blue water sailor I know something of the sea, her calm and dangerous terror. Numerous book members compared this in quality and intensity to The Perfect Storm. I found it a riveting and believable telling of our small town's loss. The parents and siblings of two families attended and added their insights, pain, and continuing search for answers thirty years out. Patrick Dillon, they say, got it right. Skippers, owners, and crew literally threw caution to the wind for the almighty dollar. The industry, lobbyists, and fishermen fought regulation to improve safety and that portion of the story is well told. For those not familiar with the sea, my wife suggests reading the epilogue first. It won't be a spoiler and will inform the reader as the story unfolds.

This historic tome describes the extreme danger/s of fishing in the seas off of Alaska and the tragedies surrounding the fishing fleet from Anacortes Washington.The author does an excellent job of explaining in lay terms the "science" of commercial fishing - the equipment - ships - etc.He takes the reader inside the minds of the fishermen (the owners of the ships - the crew) - as well as their families.And, he also gives a birds-eye view into the interworkings of the government agencies who sanction & regulate commercial fishing.I highly recommend this book to any / all who are interested in fishing in Alaska (commercial or sport)...and/or people living in the Pacific Northwest / Alaska.