The swordfishing boat the Andrea Gail sank in a treacherous storm known as a norÆeaster in October, 1991. The competitive nature of swordfishing and its seasonal nature played a significant role in the disaster. Prices for swordfish are low during the summer months. As a result, the Andrea Gail was scheduled for a trip in the fall to take advantage of higher swordfish prices. So, too, the boat was scheduled to travel in the western parts of the Grand Banks in order to ensure a short return trip to Gloucester. Further, captain of the Mary T., Alert Johnston, refused the Andrea Gail the extra fuel it needed to return home because it would lower swordfish prices to have two swordfish boats return to shore simultaneously, ôSeveral schooners pulling into port at once could saturate the market and ruin the efforts of everyone involvedö (Junger, 1997, 41).
The independent nature of the work of the swordfish crews creates a unique culture among swordfishing men. In many instances such men are considered to be drawn compellingly to the lure of the sea and a seamanÆs adventurous life, but more often the reality is that these men need the lure of the high profit that comes from the risky but independent nature of the work. As Junger (1997) writes, ôBy and large, young men from Gloucester find themselves at sea because theyÆre broke and need money fastö (17).
The competitive nature of the swordfishing industry and the need for money by crew members drives each crew and boat to be number one. The Andrea Gail is one of the most successful (i.e. profitable) sword boats. Its captain, Billy Tyne, drives all the way from Florida to take advantage of being onboard. Ironically, the most successful profiteer in the business is a female in a typically male, arduous industry, Linda Greenlaw: ôYear after year, trip after trip, she makes more money than almost anyone elseö (Junger, 1997, 16). The market conditions of the industry als...