BEACH HAVEN, N.J. — September 17, 2014 — The new monument, situated in front of the museum in Beach Haven, depicts six fishermen hauling in a net as they work at what has been named the most perilous profession in the world.
A little bit of rain and bad weather Saturday, Sept. 14, during the New Jersey Maritime Museum’s sixth annual fundraiser only seemed to enhance the unveiling of the property’s new bronze sculpture, which symbolizes the entire New Jersey commercial fishing industry. The frieze by Brian Hanlon of Hanlon Sculpture Studio in Toms River is Phase 2 of the Fishermen’s Story memorial. Phase 1, which memorializes the life of the late Jim Mears, a charter boat and tilefishing boat captain who died in January 2012 when his vessel, the Mandy Ness, capsized in a sea lane 10 miles offshore, was erected in Barnegat Light last summer.
The new monument, situated in front of the museum in Beach Haven, depicts six fishermen hauling in a net as they work at what has been named the most perilous profession in the world. They are Harold, Don and Jim Mears as well as Eric, George and Jack Svelling, members of two Island families known for their expertise in the trade.
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