Natalie S. New Bedford, MA

Vessel Details

8/11/1930

The Natalie S. was fishing for swordfish on August 11, 1930, when an electric storm began. Captain Joseph Mello called for his crew to come down from their lookout because of the danger of lightning. John Mello Jr., Fred Grady, and Alphonse Sutherland started down, but John Mello was unable to unfasten his safety strap. Lightning struck the rigging. Mr. Grady and Mr. Sutherland were dazed, but the lightning bolt struck Mr. Mello and killed him instantly.

Name Age
John Mello Jr.
  • Trade Indicator: Fishery
  • Hull Material: Wood
  • Year Built: 1925
  • Ship Builder: Rockport, MA
  • Owner: Daniel F. Mullins
  • Previous Owners:
  • Service: Commercial fishing
  • Doc. Issuance Date:
  • Doc. Expiration Date:
  • USCG Doc. No.: 225180
  • IMO Number:
  • Call Sign:
  • Hull Number:
  • Length (ft): 66.0 ft.
  • Hull Depth (ft): 7.3 ft.
  • Hull Breadth (ft): 17.1 ft.
  • Gross Tonnage: 41
  • Net Tonnage: 19

Month of December

Vessel Year
Hiram II 1943
Joan & Ursula 1944
Sea Ranger 1955
Ursula M. Norton 1957
Barbara Gail 1961
Florence & Lee 1962
Ellen Marie 1962
Gailou 1968
Venture I 1968
Noratlantic Pier 1980

Browse Vessel by Decade