The loss of William Foster Jr., known as Lil’ William to his family and friends, in a tragic commercial fishing accident should serve as a reminder that many Beaufort County residents who make their livings on the water face death and danger every time they go to work on the area’s waters.

Most of us probably don’t think about just how dangerous that occupation can be. It’s dangerous enough when there are two or more people out harvesting shrimp, oysters and other seafood. They can help one another. But it’s not uncommon for a commercial fisherman to be out on the water alone, hauling in crabs or oysters. When a lone fisherman finds himself in danger, that usually means facing that danger alone. If he’s lucky, a nearby fisherman will be able to provide assistance.

Commercial fisherman accept the risks associated with their work. Most commercial fishermen minimize those risks by making sure they have the latest in safety gear. Life jackets, cold-water suits, personal safety beacons attached to life jackets that send out distress signals that can be used to help locate fishermen who are in trouble are found on many commercial fishing boats.

Still, with all that safety gear, tragedies do occur.

Commercial fishermen have a long history of looking out for each other. Several commercial fishermen helped search for Williams and Matt Jamison, who was found alive, the other night. They know that one day or one night, they may be in the water waiting to be rescued.

In the latter part of December 2009, two oyster fishermen were rescued in the Pamlico Sound by fellow fishermen. The rescuers said their actions were nothing heroic, just helping colleagues in danger. By sharing a profession and its dangers, commercial fishermen also share a bond that commits them to help one another when danger surfaces. They know that sometimes their work comes with a high cost.

So, the next time you enjoy crabs, shrimp or oysters, just know that the costs of harvesting seafood include more than just the cost of fuel for the boat, equipment for the boat and safety gear for the boat. Sometimes the costs include the lives of fishermen.