Chapter 6~ Man Overboard
Cornelia and Maverick had heard about Big Valley by now and had joined in the search for the gray vessel. Cornelia couldn't help but think of Northwestern. Her friend was Big Valley's mate and she wished with all her heart that the EPIRP had just fallen overboard and that Big Valley was alright. Northwestern would be devastated if he had sunk. Up ahead, Maverick called out "Cornelia, you better come and check this out!" Cornelia raced forward. "What have you found?" She asked. She saw a small bait bucket floating on the water. It was the final nail in the coffin. There was no question now, Big Valley had sunk. "Oh no." Cornelia moaned. Maverick brushed against her. "Poor Northwestern." He sighed. They continued their search for survivors of the tragedy. The coast guard was luckier than they were and found one man alive. They found two others but both were dead.
The only survivor, Cache Steel said that Big Valley had been in heavy seas when he capsized. He sank quickly, having very little time to say or do anything before water filled his lungs, aphexiating him. Three deckhands died shortly after, having fallen overboard without a survival suit. He couldn't account for the remaining man. Clearly, the captain had gone down with his ship.
"We must tell Northwestern." Cornelia said. "She'll know already." Maverick said. "Maybe, but its better that she hear it from us rather than from the coast guard over the radio." Cornelia replied. Maverick nodded. Cornelia switched to channel 12 and patching in her own line of communication she called "Northwestern, Northwestern, this is Cornelia Marie calling you on channel 12, 1-2 over." Sig heard the call and said "There's someone on the line for you old girl." "Is it Big Valley?" She asked hopefully. Sig shook his head. "No, Cornelia. She has news for you." He replied. She nodded. "Patch me in." She ordered. Sig did. "Cornelia, this is Northwestern over." Cornelia's response was immediate. "I've just finished a search grid with Maverick." She said. "What did you find?" Northwestern asked. "An empty bait bucket and some other debris. The coast guard said they found one survivor." Cornelia replied. "And Big Valley?" Northwestern asked but from the way her voice shook, Cornelia could tell that her friend already knew the answer. "I'm sorry North." She whispered. She thought she had lost the other ship but after a few seconds, Northwestern replied "Thank you for telling me." "Of course." Cornelia answered, then all was silent on the other end.
Northwestern disconnected and Sig dropped anchor, ordering a halt of work on deck. Northwestern sent her captain a silent thank you and curled up on the water. She must've cried enough tears that day to fill the whole of the crab grounds.