James Murphy

Mr. Murphy had been a member of the Leretha's crew since the 1938 hurricane. He was born in Newfoundland and had been fishing since he was a boy. He had been a first mate on vessels shipping out of New Bedford and Gloucester and was noted as an expert twine-man and for his ability in mending fishing nets. He had worked on the Mary Jane and the Mary R. Mullins. He had no known survivors.

James Murphy was working on deck when he reached over the boat side and fell into the water. Captain Richard Sparrow and his crew cruised for several hours and then sent out a dory, but they were unable to find him.