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 April

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