July 25, 2025 — Dozens of fishermen, family members, and friends gathered on the Lubec, Maine, waterfront on Monday to honor the lives of commercial fishermen lost at sea.
The ceremony, held at the Lost Fishermen’s Memorial overlooking the working harbor, served as a solemn tribute to those who never returned home — their names etched in stone on the memorial itself.
Organized by Green and White Hope Inc. founder Liz Michaud, the event also served to announce Gov. Janet Mills’ proclamation of July 21, 2025, as Maine Commercial Fishing Remembrance Day.
Following a formal presentation of the colors by the Maine Marine Patrol Honor Guard, the event featured a lineup of speakers with deep ties to Maine’s fishing industry and maritime safety, including Bill Case, founding member of the Lost Fishermen’s Memorial Committee; John Roberts of Fishing Partnership Support Services; and Carl Wilson, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR).
“We should never forget those who gave their lives to this calling… Some names are etched here in stone. Others live on only in stories, in photographs, and in the memories of those who loved them,” said Wilson. “Their loss is felt deeply, not only by their families, but by the entire Maine fishing community — because in towns like Lubec and others on our coast, when one fisherman is lost, we all grieve.”
Wilson noted that the DMR’s Commercial Fishing Safety Council will continue to guide efforts to improve safety training, education, and outreach for Maine commercial fishermen.