A Tragic Day Near My Home in Maine
As I mentioned in yesterday's blog, I was in Maine for business and shooting for television this past weekend when Hurricane Bill was working his fury with the sea. The surf was incredibly high and was pounding the shore and curious crowds were drawn to Acadia National Forest. Park Rangers had posted signs warning of dangerous surf and the areas of Sand Beach and Thunder Hole were blocked off. Unfortunately, in another area, people were on a cliff about 20 feet above sea level when a wave crashed around their feet. When they turned to retreat, another wave came, taking seven people with it. Four managed to make it to shore, but three others were swept out to sea. Sadly, the Coast Guard was able to rescue only two of them, with a seven-year-old girl perishing. Our sincere condolences to her family and friends.
1 The traffic jam in Acadia National Park on Ocean Drive - the drive was closed because of the emergency.
2 Cars were diverted from Ocean Drive back to Route 3 (Bar Harbor) because rescue teams, ambulances, and park rangers were hard at work trying to rescue those washed out to sea near Thunder Hole.
3 We drove back on Cooksey Drive and the white surf was raging in Raven's Cleft.
4 The seas were wild with lots of white foam crashing into the rocks.
5 The sea almost totally obscured Bunkers Ledge - a seaman's marker right at the mouth into Seal Harbor.
6 The surf was churning.
7 The white breakers heralded extra high tides and an impending storm.
8 This scene is just about a half mile north from where the victims in Acadia were washed out to sea by a rogue wave - white surf, like this, is quite rare in the summertime.
Hi Martha, What a tragic event. My heart goes out to the family and friends of the 7 year old girl. I'm sure the Coast Guard did everything they could to rescue her, but sometimes tragic things happen. How often do you have hurricane problems in that area and along the northeast coast? When I visited Connecticut in August of about 1980, there was a strong storm that knocked down lots of trees and other damages. We have had some pretty severe storms here in the Pacific Northwest such as the Columbus Day storm in the 60's and the Inauguration Day storm in the 90's. Hopefully the rest of the hurricane season will be much calmer. I read where another tropical storm is heading toward Bermuda and the southeast Atlantic coast. Let's hope it loses force before it reaches land. My niece and her family are in Patterson, Louisiana and I hope and pray they don't get hit by a hurricane. Sincerely, Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | August 27th, 2009 at 12:54 am
Hi Martha,
What a very sad thing to happen in such a wonderful place. Why are we humans drawn so much to witness the power of nature? It takes a tradegy like this for us to realize that we have no control over mother nature.
Posted by: Becca | August 27th, 2009 at 8:19 am
Yes Martha,
It seems that whenever there is an 'emergency', as human beings, we can't ignore the impulse to respond or maybe just compare our own situations with those less fortunate; those who *are* the emergency.
Remember several years ago when that work crane fell on that woman in NYC? The people who had been near the scene just held onto her and they wouldn't let go. Some of them who were interviewed after the ordeal said that they felt that they couldn't let go, as if their touch was keeping her alive. They also felt completely exhausted after paramedics arrived and took over, allowing those first-responders to leave the scene.
I truly believe that those first responding heros *gave* her their energy, administered their own life force by holding on the her. What else - 'as humans' - could they do?
My point is that who ever happens to find themselves witnessing a tragedy like this (unless they experience bystander apathy) must feel called upon to pray, hope, help and even grieve.
And as humans we are also drawn to the edge of natures fury. Here in Florida, an approaching storm brings people to the beach to just look. And the surfers can't wait to get out into it.
Human nature as well as our impulses differ from one to another but there is no shame in wanting to get a look at a beautiful ocean gone mad. My hope is that the beloved child's parents don't carry life-long guilt about this sad accident.
Hurricane Danny is coming ashore. Hoping people will stay home and watch their ever-loving HDTV! Or go out and butyhurricane supplies. (Don't forget the vodka!)
Bless the beast and the children...
Posted by: tinay | August 27th, 2009 at 9:25 am
Hi Martha,
That really was sad to hear about the seven year old girl being washed out to sea. Without a doubt those hurricanes are treacherous; I’ve seen my share of them here in south Florida. I don’t go anywhere near the water when a hurricane is even a day away because I know what those waves are like. The rip tides or currents near the shore pull you right down and it’s a struggle to swim or even stand when you do manage to get back to the beach. It happened to me and my son and we’re both good swimmers. A little person doesn’t have a chance. One never knows where a storm off the coast of Africa will end up at or who it will take in its path. A swimmer in New Smyrna Beach also lost his life due to this hurricane and others were rescued by lifeguards but had spinal injuries. I’m just glad there weren’t any more casualties. Trish
Posted by: Trish | August 27th, 2009 at 9:26 am
This weekend my Husband and I took our first trip to Acadia region. What a terrible tragedy. We can underestimate and undervalue the power of the sea, the rule of nature and the endurance of our natural world. How does one teach choildren to both appreciate and respect both its glory and fury. Despite the tragic news we were suprised at the beauty.On our way up we happened on the Robert Indiana (a favorite for a native Hoosier) show at the Farnsworth Museum in Rockland. The abundance of amazing fine art galleries hidden in the environs were a stunning suprise. We stayed in Eggomoggin, Brooklin area and ventured to Blue Hill and Stonington. Take the Mail Boat around the Isle of Haute and don't miss The Ice Cream Lady in Stonington, The Table in Blue Hill; The Contemporary Art Gallery in Deer Isle area and Shaw Jewelery Gallery in Northeast Harbor f (fabulous souvenier trinkets). But most of all a visit to Acadia Nat Park reminds us of the power of the environment and its ubiquitous control of us all.
Posted by: roberta wolman | August 27th, 2009 at 9:33 am
Mother Nature is in control at all times.
Never forget that!
Posted by: Ellen | August 27th, 2009 at 10:33 am
When we heard about this we too were saddened by the loss of such a young one. We know all too well down here in Louisiana the power of a hurricane. While it is tempting to "drive head-on into the storm" it behooves one to consider how unpredictably and quickly the force of water can change things.
On a happier note: I love your blog and enjoyed seen Maine through your lens.
Posted by: Susan | August 27th, 2009 at 10:37 am
Dear Martha, Our hearts go out to the family of the precious little 7 year old. Life can take a turn at any moment in time. It is by hope, faith and community that we continue our journey. It is never ever the same, we just learn to continue on differently, but we do continue on.
Posted by: Mary | August 27th, 2009 at 10:55 am
Extremely unfortunate and sad.. We must always respect the force of nature. I am glad that you and your group were all safe and managed to stay out of harms way
Posted by: sherey | August 27th, 2009 at 11:14 am
Martha,
Thanks for the pictures. It helps this Hoosier put things in to better perspective.
Posted by: L Kirk | August 27th, 2009 at 11:20 am
We send our deepest sympathy to the family. May they find a place of peace. Mother nature is so beautiful and powerful. More than ever, we need to understand and respect her.
Posted by: Sandra (L'esprit Sud Magazine) | August 27th, 2009 at 11:33 am
I'm so sorry to hear about this...but why do people not adhear to warnings?
xo
Posted by: kasey | August 27th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Hi Martha,
We had a similar thing happen here in Nova Scotia. Three young lads got too close and were swept off the rocks at Peggy's Cove by a wave. LUCKILY they were rescued! Even in fine weather there are often people who get too close and perish there.
I ventured out to the coast at sunset, after the warnings were called off and got some GREAT shots of the surf which I posted on my blog. Pop by and have a look at the surf in Nova Scotia:)
Now Danny is on his way!!
Cheers, Shelagh
Posted by: Shelagh | August 27th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
I agree with Ellen's comment one hundred percent!
Posted by: Maureen | August 27th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Why is the planet called Earth when 75% is covered with water? Ocean would be a better name.
Posted by: HBE | August 27th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Schwhew! One can plainly see the churning turmoil in those grey waters, with ominous skies looming overhead! It DOES look daunting! Who would've tho't that being up high on a cliff, in obedience of the heeded warnings and OUT of the ocean's surf that a threat was still posed! Awww, God bless this dear family in the loss of their little girl. Thank the Lord as well for the skilled workers in the Coast Guard and their fortitude to lend aid in these dangerous scenarios!
Unfortunate tragedies such as this hopefully teach us the fragility of our lives - that we should live, embrace, love...as if it were our last day...noone knows the e-x-a-c-t day/hour our Lord chooses to call us home.
=^..^=
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | August 27th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Dear Martha,
Even overhere in Belgium we heard about the tragedy. Our hearts go out to the family of that little girl.
It so sad that nature took the smallest and the one that had a whole life ahead of her.
Posted by: Anita Corstjens | August 27th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
I've been to Acadia 7 times - it's breathtaking in it's beauty. There are places in the world where the true power of the sea is on display for all to witness - Acadia is such a place. My thoughts and prayers go out to all involved in this tragedy.
Posted by: Michelle | August 27th, 2009 at 10:47 pm
Oh, martha your guest Peter Arnell, I love him, finaly someone, steped up to the plate and did something about this car problem. It looks wonderful, I hope in the future he comes out with a little mini truck, I have out door dog and don't want to put her in side the vehicle. Thank You again for your time and drive to do this.
Posted by: Darleen Sobieski | August 28th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Hi Martha:
I'm not sure if you have cured your TMJ yet (today's re-run discussed this). I too suffered for a year with a painful jaw and misaligned bite. My dentist was not able to cure me with bite guards. I had my dermatologist inject my jaw with Botox--cured! Something to consider....Gary
Posted by: Gary Howse | August 28th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Boa tarde,
Sra Martha
quero lhe oferecer minhas condolencias pelo ocorrido e prestimos a familias envolvidas nesta tragedia, aproveitando gostaria te convidar a Conhecer Brasil -temos muitas Matas e Praias sem tufão e tremores de terra.
beijos
atodos
Posted by: Edvaldo Silva | August 28th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
How sad.
Another poster stated the human is drawn to witness (and I'll put it a bit differently here) nature's might.
I know this for a fact. I like in Northern Alabama and tornadoes come through often. Fatal tornadoes. I was in one many years ago in which a dry cleaning store collapsed (with me and many others in it.) Unfortunately, the manager of the dry cleaning establishment went to the drive through glass doors to look. His wife went to get him to come to safety. They both perished as the tornado hit the building. Never go to "just look." Always go to "take cover!"
Posted by: Jeanne | August 29th, 2009 at 4:55 am
This tragic event was heard about here in Philly. My condolences and sympathies to those involved in the tragedy. Mother nature can really churn up a problem reminding us we are humans. I've always loved the sea in Maine. Especially the gongs of the buoys.
Linda
Phila., PA
Posted by: Linda | August 30th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
The tragic day in Maine really hit home for me. I lost my son, Danny, 8 years ago (as in Aug.-8th month). I tried to revive him after his cardiac arrest. His best friend, Bill, passed away, and his ashes were scattered when Tropical Storm Bill was off shore in Virginia Beach, VA. Both men's ashes were scattered in the Chesapeake Bay at the same spot; their favorite fishing place. My heart goes out to the families. I wish it were this time next year for them.
Posted by: Bonnie | August 31st, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Hi Martha, I am heading for Ellsworth Maine next weekend to visit Woodlawn Museum, former home of Colonel John Black, my ancestor, Have you ever been there? I was there 4 years ago but am returning with my friend John as I want him to tour it also. I live in Brantford Ontario Canada, about and hour and a half from Toronto, Karen
Posted by: Karen Buhlman | September 4th, 2009 at 6:33 pm
Hello.
My name is Insung(=Johnson,American nickname).
I'm a Korean male.
I'm working at a small middle school in Namwon City.
I read your blog well. it is a very sad and interesting story.
I would like to exchange mails or text message,if you don't mind.
Goodbye.
Posted by: Chung, Insung | September 4th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
Martha:
Thank-you for the Portraits posted it was an amazing Storm. My old neighborhood in Norway was torn through and one of my neighbors had a daycare on Ashton road in Norway and they lost everything ~ Their Home and Business in One Day. They have 3 Beautiful Children, I used to walk by with my chocolate Cocker Spaniel "Guiness" and see their 2 puppy pugs who loved to chase us and visit w/us. The Pennesseewassee area is soo Beautiful. and my heart goes out to this Family.
Deborah Roy ~
Posted by: Deborah Roy | September 20th, 2009 at 10:50 am
Yes a new name for planet Earth, planet Ocean.
Posted by: Emilio | October 21st, 2009 at 11:58 am