19. An unbelievable sight!!

As we sailed finally towards Sicily and passing the Straits of Messina we saw one of the incredible sights. One of the rare Swordfish Fishing boats. They are only found in the area of the Messina Straits. 

                                               

                                         SWORDFISH FISHING BOAT 

The unusual boats are made up of three parts; the boat itself, the tower and the enormous bowsprite.

The tower is climbed by the Captain who is hoisted up to the top of the tower were apparently (or allegedly) he steers the boat. As you can see in the close up there are at least two men at the top of the mast and sometimes three. They are supposed to be able to catch the swordfish unawares when they swim slowly near the surface when resting. 

    

The third part is the long bowsprite which is twice as long as the boat itself and is for the harpoon to be thrown or shot at the swordfish. They must be successful in their catch as nearly every restaurant has swordfish on the menu.