The Macara family memorial. [2011, Dunlap]
Capt. Kenneth R. Macara II (1956-1984). The last sinking of a fishing vessel in the Provincetown fleet with the loss of multiple lives occurred 1 May 1984 when the 56-foot, Eastern-rigged Victory II, under the command of 28-year-old Captain Macara, went down. It had presumably snagged an abandoned concrete mooring sinker and chain. The captain perished, as did his crew members: 33-year-old Ben Fernandez and 36-year-old John “J.D.” Dorff. The boat was found in 30 feet of water near Billingsgate Shoal, the submerged remnant of the once-inhabited Billingsgate Island off Wellfleet.
Left: A chart showing the location of Billingsgate Shoal. Right: A painting of Victory II by John Mendes, in the collection of the Seamen’s Savings Bank.
Captain Macara’s memorial includes the ancient Christian ἰχθύς fish symbol, which was also painted on the bow of Victory II. [2011, Dunlap]
In memoriam
• Find a Grave Memorial No. 106363104.
¶ Last updated on 13 December 2021.