The following note was sent by Wayne & Kirsten Cronin:

It is with sadness that I am sharing news of the untimely passing of one of our own.  Captain Shane Ferrante.  Shaggy, as he was known by many, has been sailing for many years on Bay Lady and has been in Rockland sailing on Lady M for the past few years.  It would be a wonderful tribute to him if we could all take a moment next time we sail to remember him.... 

 
Below is a copy of an article in the Lincoln County News on July 31st.  As well as some comments emailed to me by his good friend Kim Reed:
 
"... Friendship Sloops, especially Bay Lady, were his life.  He joked all the time about how Bay Lady was his real girlfriend, and all the other girls had to accept that they were second to her..."
 
"He wanted to bring Bay Lady to Rockland more than anything in the world... and I promised him that I would some day.  I know that a lot of society members have some of the most fantastic memories of Shaggy... being a show off... furling everyone's sails... kickin butt and takin names on Lady M... making the staysl happy on Gaivota and almost getting knocked off the bowsprit when she gybed"
 
"the camraderie, the sailing, the racing, the love, the happiness... I loved him like a big brother and want to do everything I can to keep his memory alive in the hearts of Friendship sloop owners... because his soul was always, and always will be, with the sailboats." 
 
If you have anything you would like to share, please let me know and I would be happy to forward any thoughts along. 

Thank you - Kirsten and Wayne

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The Lincoln County News Vol 133 – No 31 - Story Date: 7/31/2008

 

Body Recovered From Boothbay Harbor Waters

 

(Posted July 31 at 4:21 p.m.) The body of a well known local man was retrieved from the waters of Boothbay Harbor around 1 p.m. Thursday.

Boothbay Harbor Police Chief Robert Hasch confirmed the identity of Capt. Shane Ferrante, 29.

Based on the results of a preliminary investigation, Hasch reported that Ferrante appeared to have fallen into the harbor water from a dock around 1:49 a.m. Wednesday.

Police were able to view video of the event captured by a camera owned by a local business owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, Hasch said.

According to Hasch, the video captures Ferrante's last moments as he walks down a ramp from the wharf to a dock area. Once on the dock, Ferrante almost immediately veers to one side and falls in.

"It is reported he was not a strong swimmer," Hasch said.

At least one friend, among several known to have looked for Ferrante that night, appears on the video approximately 20 minutes after the accident, Hasch said.

After viewing the tape, Boothbay Harbor Police alerted the Dept. of Marine Resources to the specific area of the fall. Ferrante's body was located underwater with a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) controlled by Marine Patrol Lt. John Lewis.

Hasch subsequently donned diving gear and retrieved the body personally.

Hasch said it is unknown what Ferrante's intentions were at the time of the accident. Ferrante, a licensed Captain, worked on a boat that was a tied up at the wharf and he owned another boat in the harbor. A dingy that Ferrante used to ferry back and forth to his personal boat was tied up at another dock, Hasch said.

At this time the investigation into the accident remains ongoing. Hasch said police are looking to determine if alcohol played a role in the accident.

Anyone with any information about the accident are invited to contact the Boothbay Harbor Police at 633-5616 and speak with Hasch or Lt. Fred Hutchings

Hasch said his department was supported in their effort to date by the Departments of Marine Patrol and Marine Resources, Lt. John Lewis and Capt. Bill Campbell, owner of the Novelty.