Ed Markey: “I am a cosponsor of a resolution the Senate is likely to pass this evening honoring the lives of the 33 crew members…”

“I am a cosponsor of a resolution the Senate is likely to pass this evening honoring the lives of the 33 crew members aboard the El Faro which sank near the Bahamas during Hurricane Joaquin earlier this month. I want to take this opportunity to express my deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to the family of El Faro crewman Jeffrey A. Mathias of Kingston, MA. He was just 42 years old. Jeff loved the sea. When he attended Tabor Academy, he learned how to sail aboard the school's sailing ship the Tabor Boy. Jeff followed his passion to the prestigious Massachusetts Maritime Academy, where in 1996 he graduated with a degree in marine engineering. Upon graduation, he worked at Seamass and then Altran, where he was involved with nuclear power plants. In 1998, he landed his dream job on a cargo vessel. Jeff sailed to Africa, Europe, North Korea, Alaska, Hawaii, California, and the Caribbean. He reached the officer's position of chief engineer and was responsible for shaft repairs on many vessels. Jeff leaves his beloved wife, Jennifer Brides Mathias; his 3 adored children, daughters Hayden, 7, Heidi, 5, and son, Caleb, 3, all of Kingston. He also leaves behind his parents, J. Barry and Lydia Jones Mathias, of Kingston and his brother John. Another son of Massachusetts who loved the sea was President John F. Kennedy.…”