remembering
Dokuz Eylül University Maritime Faculty
most incredible about this tragedy is how
family. As close colleagues, friends and
quickly everyone in our community came
mariners we heartfully share the grief of
together to spread news, to share stories,
the MMA community. Our thoughts and
and to ask questions. There is an incredible
prayers are with Captain Michael Davidson,
amount of support for our students and
Dylan Meklin, Danielle Randolph, Michael
alumni, which is why I chose to attend
Holland, and Mitchell Kuflik's families and
MMA. You are not just a number. You are
loved ones."
known--and will always be remembered."
Messages also came from former stu-
At 12:45 p.m. on Friday, one week after
dents, now mariners serving around the
the first reports about the disappearance of
globe, reinforcing the connections made in
El Faro became public, the sound of Taps
Castine that still link them today.
echoed across the MMA campus as students
"Every ship that I have sailed on since
paused and gathered to remember their fel-
graduating has had at least one other MMA
low Mariners with the Eight Bell Ceremony.
alumni aboard or working in the office,"
The ceremony is a tradition in the sailing
wrote Colleen Peters '05. "We are every-
community, a way to recognize the passing
where--so it would be impossible not to be
of a friend or shipmate that draws on the
affected by this tragedy--because Maine Mar-
tradition of striking the ship's bell to signal
itime is present throughout the maritime
time on board ship. One bell is struck at
industry."
each half-hour and eight bells signify the end
"You didn't have to know any of the El
of a four-hour watch ­ those who have oper-
Faro crew personally to grieve for these Mar-
ated and navigated the ship are relieved. The
iners. We all effectively know each other in
ceremony signifies that for those honored,
that we are connected by both the Academy
their watch is over. They have been relieved.
and the sea. One of the things that I found
A retired newspaper reporter, Rich Hewitt now writes from his home in Penobscot, Maine.
el faro
23° 22' 52" N 73° 54' 51" W

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