somers eddie

About the Artist

Captain Eddie Somers was born and raised on Smith Island, Maryland extending a long line of boat builders and waterman. Eddie's models of Tangier Sound working watercraft, from the days of sail to present diesel powered deadrise boats, reflect his lifelong experience on the water and the authenticity of a true Chesapeake Bay waterman. Through them he demonstrates the hardworking culture and heritage of the Bay. He worked as a waterman until he was 32. He spent two years working for the Chesapeak Bay Maryland Pilots Association, transporting pilots to guide ships transiting the Bay to ports in Baltimore and Philadelphia. He spent 12 years in the US Coast Guard Reserve tending federal buoys and other aids to navigation. He currently holds a 200 ton masters license. For 32 years he served on the State of Maryland Dept of Natural Resources 100 foot icebreaker/buoytend "J. Millard Tawes", first as mate and in 1995 becoming captain. Eddie retired from state service in November 2019. Upon his retirement he was awarded the prestigious Admiral of the Chesapeake Award by Governor Larry Hogan not only for his state and federal work but also for his work promoting Smith Island through Smith Island United, a local community organization representing Smith Island.