Ep 5. The Sinking of the Lady Mary

On the fifth episode of Disasters at Sea season 2, viewers are taken on a journey to explore the tragedy that occurred during the sinking of the Lady Mary. This fishing vessel was on a routine trip off the coast of New Jersey when it encountered an unexpected disaster, leading to the loss of all but one person on board.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to the crew members of the Lady Mary and their families. The crew consists of seven men, all of whom are experienced fishermen with a deep love for the sea. Their families are proud of them for their hard work and dedication, but they also worry about the dangers of their chosen profession.

As the Lady Mary sets sail, the crew encounters some minor issues with the fishing gear, but they manage to resolve them quickly. However, as the day progresses, the weather starts to take a turn for the worse. The winds pick up, and the waves become larger, making it difficult for the crew to navigate the vessel.

Despite the challenging conditions, the crew continues to work, hauling in their catch and storing it in the ship's hold. However, as night falls, the weather worsens, and the crew starts to worry about their safety. They make the decision to head back to port, but it's too late. A rogue wave hits the vessel, causing it to capsize.

The episode then delves into the investigation that followed the tragedy. The lone survivor of the Lady Mary, Captain Jose Arias, tells his story of what happened that fateful night. He explains that he was on deck when the wave hit, and he was thrown into the water. He managed to grab onto a life raft and clung to it until he was rescued by a passing vessel.

The investigation into the sinking of the Lady Mary reveals some disturbing information. It turns out that the vessel had a history of safety violations, including issues with its stability. The investigators also discover that the crew did not have access to proper safety equipment, such as immersion suits, which could have helped them survive the ordeal.

The episode also takes a look at the impact of the tragedy on the families of the crew members. They struggle to come to terms with their loss and feel frustrated by the lack of answers they receive from the investigation. The families band together to demand changes in the fishing industry to prevent such tragedies from happening again.

Overall, this episode of Disasters at Sea is a heartbreaking and fascinating look at the sinking of the Lady Mary. It offers a glimpse into the dangers of the fishing industry and the need for better safety regulations. Through interviews with survivors, investigators, and family members, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the tragedy and its impact.