It’s been two weeks since the post-Memorial Day summer boating season started, and already the Marion harbormaster and staff are keeping very busy.
“It’s just been super busy since the season began,” Assistant Harbormaster Dave Wilson reported to the Marine Resources Commission at its June 13 meeting in the police station conference room. “It’s been an absolute slam.”
He told the board that at one point the department received seven telephone calls for assistance in a six-hour interval. “And we’ve had two mayday calls back to back,” he said. “But we are handling it.”
Commission Chairman Vin Malkoski asked if Marion Harbor’s fleet of fishing boats has diminished, considering the current rising cost of fuel.
Wilson said no. He also said there were no reports of gas being stolen from a harbor boat or facility this season, at least not yet.
The good news Wilson added is that Andrew Miller, a Massachusetts Maritime Academy graduate, has once again signed on to assist the department during the summer.
The report highlighted a meeting shortened by the fact Harbormaster Isaac Perry and Deputy Harbormaster/Shellfish Officer Adam Murphy were unable to attend.
“They usually run the meeting,” Malkoski remarked.
The MRC set its next meeting for Monday, July 18, at 7:00 pm, changing its venue to the Music Hall.
Marion Marine Resources Commission
By Michael J. DeCicco