The year didn't start out very well with the tragic loss of fishermen John Orlando and Matteo Russo when they were lost at sea. There was a better outcome a couple of weeks later when the clam boat "Providenza" capsized with two crewmen aboard. They were saved by a passing sport fisherman and later the boat was salvaged. About a week later police officer Wayne Sargent had just returned home from his shift when his house blew up! Luckily Wayne survived the blast dispite the house being completly demolished by a faulty gas line. Also an out of town diver had lost his life diving off the breakwater.But the year did have it's bright side. A number of successful firsts was accomplished in Gloucester. The Gloucester Downtown Block parties proved the value of having a vibrant downtown! The first ever "Tall Ship Gloucester" was a big hit by the public and the crews alike! Then there was the first "Gloucester Triathlon" that brought out thousands. The older celebrations such as the International Dory Races,St. Peter's Fiesta and The Blackburn Challenge continue to be traditional Gloucester mainstays as were the Gloucester Schooner Festival which celebrated it's 25th anniversary in grand fasion. And the weather....both good and bad! I could go on and post many more images but I'd be sitting at this computer for way too long!
Helo ends search for lost fishermen.
"Clam boat "Providenza" capsized!
"Providenza" being repaired!
Search for lost scuba diver.
Failed gas line levels house!
Searching debris!
International Dory Races!
Pulling hard!
St. Peter's Fiesta Seine Boat Races!
Walking the Greasy Pole!
It's not easy being greasy!
Leap too short!
"Picton Castle" and "Thomas E. Lannon" during the 1st Tall Ship Gloucester event.
"Picton Castle" behind the water curtain!
A successful Gloucester Downtown Block Party series!
Good Harbor Beach wrapped in fog!
The crowds came out when the fog lifted!
The 1st Annual Gloucester Triathlon!
Hundreds of bicycles at St. Peter's Park!
Blackburn Challenge rowers emerge from the fog!
The 25th Annual Gloucester Schooner Festival!
Schooner "Virginia" emerges from the water display from the "Gateway Endeavor"!
Big cloud over Thachers Island!
Waterspout offshore!
Nor'easters pounded the coast late in the year!
