Fatal Forecast

An Incredible True Story of Disaster and Survival at Sea

By: Michael Tougias

Narrated by: Jeff Cummings

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)

Life and tragedy

The twisted and turns the men were subjected to is nothing short of inspiring , great story

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