Seward is a small town. When word comes that a fishing boat is in trouble or has gone down, the community holds its breath. A death touches many in this community nestled on the shores of Resurrection Bay. Those who have lost their lives to the sea are remembered in silence. The Seward Mariners’ Memorial was created to remember those lost at sea and individuals who have contributed to our maritime heritage and culture.

Located on the south harbor uplands, interior walls of the lighthouse replica are lined with granite plaques bearing the names of those gone but not forgotten. Two bronze plaques pay homage to Seward pioneers Mack and Bob Eads and the crew of the decommissionedresearch vessel Alpha Helix. “Sue’s Bench” honors the life of the late Sue Kaanta, project co-founder whose generous contribution ignited the catalyst to begin construction in 2011. Six cleat benches bear the names of local maritime contributors Captains Jack Johnson, Ralph Hatch, Andy Endresen, Linne Bardarson, Raymond Anderson, Mark Walker, Chris Sorenson, and Don and Richard Oldow.

One wall contains plaques named for victims of the sea lost long ago. Amongst those are:

William G. Weaver and Benjamin F. Sweazey’s overturned boat was found near Bear Glacier in October 1917.The two were headed toward Aialik Bay on a bear hunt. A search party was formed when they didn’t return as scheduled, but no trace of the men was ever found.

“Herring” Pete Sather was lost and presumed drowned in August 1961 while enroute to Seward from Nuka Island in his skiff.

Eleven souls were lost when the SS Yukon foundered on the rocks at Cape Fairfield near Johnstone Bay on February 6, 1946

These memories and those of others installed in the memorial must be kept alive.

Maintenance and upkeep of the memorial grounds is crucial. The Committee has set up a “Friends of the Seward Mariners’ Memorial” and seeking members at four donation levels:

Landlubbers at $25, Deckhands at $50, 1st Mate for $100, and Captains at the $500 level. We will have a membership page on our website soon where you will be able to sign up and pay online. For now you can pick up a paper form at Sailing Inc, and we are able to accept good old fashioned cash or checks.

SMM committee members have also been busy organizing a spring raffle, and we will be selling raffle tickets for $5 for some GREAT prizes!!

Watch for more details coming soon, and be sure to find us at the mermaid festival this weekend.

Tickets will be ailable at our booth at the Seward Mermaid Festival May 20 and 21, or by calling Sailing Inc at 907-224-3160.

The Seward Mariners’ Memorial is under the auspices of the non-profit 501(c)3 2003 Seward Centennial.

By Nancy Erickson

Spring Membership Drive & Raffle!