Book Review
THE TRUE STORY OF THE WIND BLOWN, FOUR MEN WHO VANISHED AT SEA, AND THE SURVIVORS THEY LEFT BEHIND
By Amanda Fairbanks
I am innately drawn to “man vs. nature” stories, especially lost-at-sea adventures. When they take place in our own backyard it makes the tale even more compelling. So when I came across “the Lost Boys of Montauk” I couldn’t wait to dive in – our very own Perfect Storm here on Long Island.
The Wind Blown, a commercial long-liner carrying a crew of four, left Montauk Harbor on March 22, 1984 in search of tilefish more than 100 miles offshore. The boat, and the fishermen on board, never returned.
The Lost Boys of Montauk were Captain Michael Stedman, mate David Connick, and deckhands Michael Vigilant and Scott Clarke. All from diverse backgrounds, with very different reasons for taking part in such a dangerous livelihood, they fought the elements together on that fateful day with one common mission…to make it home alive.
The weather is notoriously unpredictable in early spring, and the crew met with a “dreaded nor’easter.” The conversations, the fear-laden thoughts, the struggles to keep the ship steady and afloat, are all surmised. The truth lies in the depths of ocean.
The author, A m a n d a Fairbanks, was working as a staff writer for the East Hampton Star when she first heard of the sinking of the Wind Blown. She was intrigued and took an immediate interest, deciding to dig into the story with a vengeance. Her thorough research is evident, as she delves deep into the crewmen’s personal lives, relationships with their loved ones, and the complex dynamics involved in the lives of career fishermen. Along her investigative journey Fairbanks also uncovers a few closely held secrets that have impacted the lives of those involved.
You learn just how dangerous and competitive the business of fishing actually is, and just how many are willing to take the risk for the reward. But she also gives a glimpse of those left behind to deal with grief and loss. There is no closure when your loved ones are lost at sea. The story continues for them till this day.
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