As Unchanging As The Sea

For centuries, men have gone to sea to feed their families or earn their keep.

For centuries, the craft has been handed down from father to son, down through the generations, young men following the old into the boats. In spite of technology, in spite of better equipment, in spite of a better understanding of the ocean, men have gone down to the sea and never come home.

Feichin Mulkerrin and Tony Coohill pushed their currach away from the pier at Aughris, not far from their homes in Claddaghduff, County Galway. They set off in the morning to check their lobster pots. It was a fine day for fishing, with a moderate wind out of the northwest.

Three hours after they left, another fisherman spotted their boat on the rocks. The Coast Guard searched with their planes and helicopters. The neighbors of Mr. Mulkerrin and Mr. Coohill set out as well, as had their fathers and grandfathers before them, searching for their neighbors. It is their way, the close-knit fraternity, the way it has always been.

Two bodies were pulled from the water before the day was over. In spite of technology, weather satellites and forecast, no one can predict when the Atlantic will swell near the Irish coast, when the water will rise up and capsize a small currach.

The tiny fishing town of Claddaghduff will mourn their loss and wonder why God chose to take the two fisherman. They will offer their prayers, for the repose of the souls of their colleagues, and the men will continue to go down to the sea, in a cycle that is unchanging, despite the dangers.