‘Miss Ally’ Tragedy Remembered Ten Years Later

A sombre anniversary this Friday for many in Southwestern Nova Scotia.

Ten years ago, five fishermen from Shelburne County were lost to the sea on the ‘Miss Ally,’ a fishing vessel based out of Woods Harbour.

The boat capsized after being hit by a large wave off the coast of Liverpool.

The loss of captain Katlin Nickerson, Joel Hopkins, Cole Nickerson, Tyson Townsend and Billy Jack Hatfield continues to be felt to this day.

Marlene Crowell, the mother of Cole Nickerson recalls her final conversation with her son.

“The last time I spoke to Cole, he called me from the wharf and said he was about to head out fishing. He told me he loved me, and I said I loved him. That was the last time I spoke to him,” said Crowell.

Crowell says it feels like it just happened yesterday, and the healing process has been slow.

“He was a very loving and caring person, he loved people and always had a smile on his face. He was a very hard worker and just cared about people. I miss him everyday. He was getting ready to get married and start a family of his own.”

Residents are keeping their porch lights on overnight as a way to remember the victims.

Mary Hopkins, who lost her son Joel Hopkins tells us that little things like shrimp-rings and the buzz of a four-wheeler bring back memories.

She says she understands the meaning of not getting closure, and wishes she could hug her son one last time.

Tragedy a ‘Turning Point’ in the Industry:

The Executive Director of Fish Safe NS believes the ‘Miss Ally’ disaster was a pivot point in the fishing industry.

Matthew Duffy says the tragedy opened a lot of eyes.

“We really needed to take it seriously, and we knew we needed to do whatever we could to make sure everyone was safe at sea. A lot of positive change has come from that,” said Duffy.

He  that just two years later, Fish Safe NS, the province and others collaborated on the Fishing Safety Now Action Plan.

Duffy says workers compensation rates for the fishing industry are down 50 percent since then.

Tragedies like the ‘Chief William Saulis’ in Digby have happened, but Duffy explains that more work needs to be done.

Duffy and Fish Safe NS are keeping the family and friends of the ‘Miss Ally’ crew in their thoughts.