The Exploits of Fred Smith

Bessie and Ern Smith's oldest son, Fred, worked as a ship's cook. Fred loved his work, making delicious soups, stews and anything else people desired. He had natural ability, without any formal training. One can only imagine the potential he had, or what he could have done with chef training, unheard of in those days in Newfoundland.

            Fred Smith

In the spring of 1960, his ship was anchored off the Port aux Port peninsula, in Newfoundland, stuck in the ice. Boredom soon set in, and one day after lunch was cleared and supper prepared, Fred and a companion decided to go into town for recreation. They were lowered over the side of the ship onto the ice, and jumped the bobbing ice pans to shore. On his way back to the ship later that day, Fred slipped between the pans into the water. He spent over four hours clung to the ice before he was rescued. Fred almost died.

The next evening, as they sat around the supper table in Corner Brook, the Smiths heard the Gerald S. Doyle Bulletin. It contained news of the rescue and hospitalization of a man who had plunged into the icy water. "That's Fred," said Bessie. "Oh my Gawd, that's Fred. He's goin' ta die. Oh my Gawd." She was inconsolable. 

"Now Bessie. Ya don't know for sure dat's Fred," said Ern, trying to console his wife. At the same time, he too thought it might be Fred. 

Assessing the situation, Ern knew it would be another day before he could catch the train to Port aux Port. Instead, he phoned the Royal Canadian Mounted Police who, after some investigation, confirmed the family's suspicion. Unlike today, the family was not notified about the accident prior to Ern's inquiry. Fred was suffering from hypothermia but recovering and returned home within days to recuperate.

His family never learned the whole story but they believed Fred had gone into town to a bar. Then, with uncertain steps, he fell between the pans of ice on his way back to the ship. If not for the "glow" of the alcohol, he may not have survived the extended time in the icy water. Alcohol does have some benefits after all.