Charlie Mitchell
The Working Waterfront Festival Community Documentation Project
The Working Waterfront Festival Community Documentation Project is an ongoing oral history project documenting the history and culture of the commercial fishing industry and other port trades. The project was begun in 2004 in conjunction with the Working Waterfront Festival, an annual, education celebration of commercial fishing culture which takes place in New Bedford, MA. Interviewees have included a wide range of individuals connected to the commercial fishing industry and/or other aspects of the port through work or familial ties. While the majority of interviewees are from the port of New Bedford, the project has also documented numerous individuals from other ports around the country. Folklorist and Festival Director Laura Orleans and Community Scholar/Associate Director Kirsten Bendiksen are Project Leaders. The original recordings reside at the National Council for the Traditional Arts in Maryland with listening copies housed at the Festival's New Bedford office.
Laura Orleans
Charlie Mitchell, born on March 5, 1945, in Boston, Massachusetts, is a prominent figure in the maritime industry. With a childhood spent near the water in Fairhaven, he developed a deep affinity for maritime activities. After attending college and beginning law school, his plans were interrupted by the draft during the Vietnam War. He chose to join the Navy through the ROTC program and gained extensive sea experience aboard various ships, including destroyers. Following his military service, he returned to Fairhaven and embarked on a career in tug boating, starting with Sanchez in New Bedford and Providence Steamboat in Rhode Island. In 1973, he founded Mitchell Towing and Salvage, marking the beginning of his own towing and salvage business. His notable achievements include commissioning the construction of the tugboat JAGUAR at Gladding and Hearn shipyard. Charlie Mitchell's expertise and experience have left a lasting impact on the maritime industry.
Scope and Content Note
Charlie's narrative covers a wide range of experiences, from his early days as a "water rat" in Fairhaven, to his military service during the Vietnam War, his subsequent involvement in the tug boating industry, and his establishment of Mitchell Towing and Salvage in 1973. A significant portion of the interview focuses on the creation of the tugboat JAGUAR. Charlie details the meticulous planning and collaborative efforts with Gladding and Hearn shipyard. He delves into the vessel's specifications, design, and his personal role in its construction, highlighting his passion for the maritime world. Charlie shares his involvement in salvage and rescue operations. Notably, he recounts the challenging salvage operation involving the PILGRIM BELL, a coastal cruiser that ran aground and faced substantial damage. Charlie describes the intricate coordination between salvage companies, the Coast Guard, and other entities to overcome the daunting task. His deep expertise and dedication to the maritime industry shine through as he reflects on these accounts. Furthermore, Charlie reflects on the evolving fishing industry, regulations, and shifts in his line of work. His expertise in towing, salvage, and vessel operations is evident. Charlie shares the story of a maritime incident involving a vessel on the brink of capsizing due to flooding in various compartments. The Coast Guard's intervention was crucial, involving ships and aircraft to address the imminent danger. Meanwhile, the interviewee's salvage team played a pivotal role, employing an array of pumps and innovative solutions to mitigate leaks and pump out water from compartments. Collaboration with divers and other experts was essential in stabilizing the vessel and averting a catastrophe. Their success culminated in towing the vessel to a shipyard for further assessment and repairs. Additionally, Charlie recounts various emergency responses, including vessel collisions and groundings. The challenges and risks inherent in their profession are highlighted, underscoring the art of seamanship and the gratification derived from preventing maritime disasters.
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