John Ole Abelsen

Abelsen was unmarried at the time of his death. His next of kin was listed as a brother, Rasmus Abelsen of Atlantic City, NJ and a cousin, Erling Gundersen of Brooklyn, NY.

At 5:15 A.M. on Tuesday, May 21, 1940, John Ole Abelsen was knocked overboard by a scallop dredge while working on the deck of the scalloper Marie and Katherine. His body was recovered.

Coast Guard authorities were notified of the death by the scalloper 3 & 1 & 1, which reported to Boston via radio telephone that the Marie and Katherine was on Georges Bank, heading for Pollock Rip Lightship following the accident.