Fatal Forecast

An Incredible True Story of Disaster and Survival at Sea

By: Michael Tougias

Narrated by: Jeff Cummings

Length: 5 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

Fatal Forecast chronicles a dramatic fight for survival aboard two small fishing boats that were ambushed by a horrific surprise storm just southeast of Cape Cod.

Soon after the Fair Wind and the Sea Fever reached the fishing ground at Georges Bank, they were hit with hurricane-force winds and massive 90-foot waves that battered the boats for hours. The direction of the wind made it impossible to turn back. The Fair Wind soon capsized, drowning all but one of the crewmembers. The Sea Fever was nearly torn apart.

Here is the hour-by-hour account of the struggles faced by the eight crewmembers of the Fair Wind and the Sea Fever, including the incredible ordeal of Ernie Hazard, who endured three days in a lifeboat in open water. The book also details the dramatic rescue attempts made by the Coast Guard, on a day in which it received more mayday calls than any other in New England history.

©2007 Michael Tougias (P)2007 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"[A] dramatic, pared-down account....Tougias smartly leavens his spare narrative with similar worst-case scenarios that resulted when other seamen miscalculated the sea's wrathful power." ( Publishers Weekly)

Great book

Great book. Excellent attention to detail. Thank you. So sad and scary what these fishermen and families had to go through

outstanding read...the story behind the story

Would you listen to Fatal Forecast again? Why?

I was a 20 something USCG HU16 fixed wing pilot. I got called in to do a SAR mission, we found a New Bedford fishing boat crew in a wooden dory, after their boat sank. I remember the wind was howling with 20 foot seas on a clear sunny fall day. I never knew the whole story ..now I do! great book BTW,,,being a USCG Helo pilot is the most dangerous flying in the US Military.

A good mix of story, background and personality

A good setup of the storm, off-shore fishing and the crews. Just Enough detail to get to know the situations without being bogged down with trivial things

Several gripping scenes to keep you hooked - pun intended

Reader Performance did not match the story. Rather Robotic and lacking any emotion
And the inexcusable constant mispronunciation of scallops & Peabody (plus other words...Manomet)

Good story, bounced-around a little

Storyline bounced around a little between time and character, taking me a little while to realize direction had changed. Interesting story despite my confusion

Perfect narration for a gripping tale

There is a special place in my heart for shipwreck stories, not unlike the love of horror or Sci-Fi stories. But this is not a tale from the imagination, fantastical, embellished and safe.
This horror is real, there is no need for embellishment, something not even the imagination can (or wants to) fully fathom- the truth of this story is verified by the echoes of others who've told it since we put boats to water, and there is only one type of person who can tell it. Only one type of person who has faced the most dangerous, violent force on earth, and this type is so rare because the rest are dead. Tougias did a wonderful job piecing the survivor's recounting into a coherent and full picture of this epic storm event, but it's truly brought to life by Cummings narration.
I think we put a lot of stock into "survival instinct" and "luck," and it's true both exist to some extent, but it's pure vanity to assume the same outcome if we were in the exact scenario. This type of survivor is the purest form of resilience and willpower and it's an honor to hear. Full stars, slow clap, several tears, and gratefulness I can listen from my warm bed.

Good, thoroughly covered

Cried at some points. Felt as if I were in the middle of multiple tragedies, and heroic victories

Awesome quick moving story

Filled with tidbits of knowledge about lobstering and the human spirit

Great exciting read

Highly recommended

Enjoyable but confusing

I was really not certain that the other fishermen in the Fair Wind didn’t survive until the end of the book. It’s one of those books that I feel like you have to go back and listen to again to capture all of the fine details. The author did a great job of describing the intensity of the storm along with how the weather buoys play a huge part in accurate oceanic forecasting. Ernie was one tough guy abs and incredible fight to survive.

high energy rescue

compelling and detailed. kept my interest but kept me awake. too action filled for bedtime

Strap on that life jacket

A raging storm at sea and a fascinating story of the men who battled for their lives. This book is a bona fide page turner and a very well written account account of man’s struggle to survive.You will feel compassion for those perished and relief and joy for those who survived.
The composition and narration are flawless.
Strongly recommended for those who love the water.