In Aldouane, N.B., a strong sou’easter intensified rapidly, causing choppy waves on the lobster fishing boat where Maisie McNaughton, a deckhand, was sailing with her mother. As the boat navigated the tumultuous waves, her mother humorously urged Maisie to handle the boat as if she had stolen it.
The mother-daughter duo found themselves in a precarious situation as they turned starboard at a challenging point where conflicting currents met, causing the boat to be forcefully slammed sideways by the waves. With the boat pitching aggressively, Maisie clung tightly to a metal pole while her mother skillfully maneuvered the vessel to prevent a potential capsize.
Despite the harrowing experience, they safely redirected towards the calmer Richibucto River, sharing a moment of relieved laughter as they reflected on their survival. The day’s events took a sobering turn when they learned of a nearby boat sinking just kilometers away, underscoring the dangers of the ocean.
Growing up in a family deeply rooted in maritime traditions, Maisie’s mother, Debbie Thompson, a trailblazing female lobster captain, inspired her to pursue a career in the male-dominated fishing industry. Overcoming stereotypes and superstitions, Debbie’s determination led her to become one of the few female captains in New Brunswick.
For Maisie, fishing has become a sanctuary, offering moments of tranquility beneath the starlit sky and breathtaking sunrises at sea. While acknowledging the risks inherent in fishing, a profession ranked among Canada’s most perilous, Maisie reflects on the unpredictability of life on the ocean, where beauty and danger coexist.
Through her mother’s pioneering efforts, Maisie and other young women have found a pathway into the industry, symbolizing a legacy of resilience and determination. As they face the uncertainties of each fishing season, the bond shared by these courageous women transcends gender, united by their shared passion for the sea.
Looking ahead, Maisie envisions more challenges and triumphs on her fishing journey, knowing that with perseverance and grit, she may one day achieve her dream of becoming a captain. In the ever-changing landscape of the fishing industry, where economic uncertainties loom, Maisie finds solace in the camaraderie and resilience of those who brave the seas to bring home the bounty of the ocean.
