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tales-of-Fogo-Island

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The Story <strong>of</strong> the MarklandIn the early hours <strong>of</strong> May 15, 1998, people began to arrive at the ferry line-upin Man O' War Cove. It was a beautiful morning for a trip on the ferry. The seawas calm and the sun was shining. At around 6:42A.M., the traffic began tomove ahead. The ferry would soon be loaded and on its way to Farewell.Each day before the ferry begins operating, the captain must report to theCoast Guard in St. Anthony. This is also done each evening when the vesseldocks. On that particular morning, the ferry was under the command <strong>of</strong>Captain Cyril Burke <strong>of</strong> Tilting. He was delivering the morning message to theRadio Operator in St. Anthony, when he was interrupted by another caller."MAYDAY! MAYDAY"! A voice echoed over the radio. "This is the captain <strong>of</strong>the Markland. We have struck a rock and we have to abandon ship!" Then, ina frightened voice, the captain <strong>of</strong> the Markland gave his location.The Coast Guard asked the Beaumont Hamel to help in the rescue effort. Theferry was only minutes from the Markland, while the Coast Guard vessel, SirWilfred Grenfell was at least a four hour 'steam' away.In a matter <strong>of</strong> minutes, the ferry pulled away from the wharf at Man 0' WarCove. However, this was no ordinary crossing. The MV Beaumont Hamel wasnow on a rescue mission! The ferry passengers had no idea that anythingunusual was happening until the captain came down from the bridge. Then, ina calm, but firm voice he asked for everyone's attention.'Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention please. We have justreceived word from the Coast Guard that a vessel requires assistance. Wehave been asked to respond to this distress call since we are near the site. Asmore information becomes available we will keep you informed. Thank you.'Neither the captain <strong>of</strong> the ferry nor Coast Guard operators had radio contactwith the Markland after the Mayday was issued. There was no way <strong>of</strong> knowingif the crew made it to their lifeboats. Thinking quickly, Captain Burke calledahead to Farewell where some men were repairing the dock. These menjumped aboard a small, flat-bottomed speed boat and rushed to the scene. Ifthere were men in the water, this speed boat could mean the differencebetween life and death.

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