Community Corner
Community Remembers Stian Stiansen
Community members remember Stian Stiansen for his kindness and his fierce calling as a captain of the seas.
On Sunday, East Quogue resident and commercial fisherman Stian Stiansen, 85, lost his life when his 45-foot trawler, the Pauline IV, capsized in the Shinnecock Inlet. Since that fateful day, community members have expressed heartache for a man that they have known for this courage, his kindness, and his fierce calling as a captain of the seas.
In their own words, here is what community members wrote about Stiansen. Please feel free to add your own comments in the comment section below.
"I worked for Stian as a boy since my father Jimmy Miller captained one of his boats,and then went on to owning three of my own boats,all the while having the priveledge of fishing alongside such a remarkable person and seasoned Captain.He never held back giving me valuable information to help me become a better fisherman...secrets of where exactly to set my nets at particular times of the year, as he knew where the fish were at all times!R.I.P. o´l friend....say hi to my Pop up there." — Frank Miller
"A true loss of a wonderful person who was a tremendous advocate for fisherman particularly the younger fisherman coming up through the ranks. It was such a joy to meet him at the dock and to listen to his stories. He was the best and will be sorely missed." — Jon Semlear
"My heart aches for the loss of this 85 year old man. Lord God knows how many times he has been thru this inlet. Stian Stiansen of the Pauline IV...Im guessing he lived and died doing what he loved; going in and out to the ocean thru the inlet. He's my hero because I believe this Stian has saved many lives this year and years to come. If his 45 foot trawler boat can capsize then so could many other boats - smaller and larger. We can all learn and heed from this tragedy. I now know who Stian Stiansen of the Pauline IV - is.. And because of his death - I'll never forget him. When I go thru the inlet here on in - I'll say, "Stian Stiansen" before I proceed. God Rest his soul and wake up ours. My heartfelt condolences to his family." — Laurie S
" He died doing his life long pleasure..RIP Cap Stain." — jwb
" He shall be terribly missed. We also were saying how he died doing what he loved." — b
"So tragic. My prayers to the family." — Evelyn D. Fink Lubrano
"Our Prayers go out to the Stainsen family for your tragic loss." — Allen Schneider
"My deepest sympathies for your loss... xoxo My thoughts are also for Scott, the survivor, who has just been through an amazing trauma. Not only did he loose his captain and friend, he could have lost his own life in the process. I'm hoping he takes the time to process all of this an heals emotionally as well." — Stacey Reister
"Our thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, and fishing community. I have fished beside the F/V Pauline many times in my 38 years on the water. He was a true gentleman and worked an honest living. He loved what he did and ultimately died doing what he love. RIP - CAPTAIN STIANSEN" — Mary and Rick Saunders
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