The devastated family of lost fisherman Alan Edness have opened their hearts to talk publicly about the "South Shore Boy" who lived and died for the ocean.

His long-term partner Catherine Lymbery told how, ironically, Mr. Edness had retired from fishing at the end of last year, and had recently sold his boat Lady Gambler after a long and illustrious career on the seas around Bermuda.

During that time, he was a strong advocate for fishermen's rights, and had often spoken in favour of the Island setting up its own Coast Guard station.

That topic is now likely to be discussed at length as the Island begins to feel the true cost of the fishing tragedy last week that took two fathers and touched the lives of countless others.

Ms Lymbery said both she and their 13-year-old daughter Alex had been broken by the horrendous events, which left both Mr. Edness, 56, and fellow crew member Micah Battersbee, 29, presumed dead.

They are both thought to have gone down with the stricken fishing boat New Nuts after it ran into stormy waters 80 miles north east of the Island last Tuesday night.

Only the skipper, Robert (Bobby) Lambe, managed to make it out alive. He was picked up last Wednesday afternoon by passing American naval ship USNS Comfort after floundering in the water for an incredible 20 hours.

However, Ms Lymbery said the family had not given up hope that one day their own beloved fisherman would come back home.

"Anyone that knows our family will appreciate that we are private people with a terrific faith," said Ms Lymbery.

"We have therefore not yet found closure in this tragedy, and continue to keep the flame of hope alive.

"Alan's family was his life. He shared such special relationships with his mother, Myrtle, and sister Maureen, and her family.

"But most of all, his daughter Alex was the world to him. She has been my rock over the past few days and I know he will be proud of her."

Mr. Edness had joined Mr. Battersbee and Mr. Lambe in their search for abandoned yacht Altair last Monday.

They had planned to stay out on the water for a few days, but decided to head back to Bermuda early when the weather began to worsen.

Mr. Lambe has told how they were making their way back to the Island slowly on Tuesday night when a freak wave hit, overturning the boat and causing it to sink about 20 minutes later.

Despite attempts by the skipper to rescue his crew, he said he heard nothing from the two men from the moment the boat rolled.

But Ms Lymbery said that if her partner had to die somewhere, the water is where he would have wanted to go.

"He was a South Shore Boy - the ocean was in his veins, and it was inevitable that he should be drawn to the ocean again and again throughout his life, first as a sailor, and later as a charter fisherman on Reba-M, and, more recently, a commercial fisherman," she said.

"It is also the only place he would have wished it all to end.

"Alan knew the ocean well, and had the utmost respect for its power. If there was any way he was able get out of the boat, I know his love of his family and strong devotion to his daughter would see him through.

"It's a long swim, but we keep the candle burning."

Mr. Edness, who was a first cousin to Premier Jennifer Smith, had a wide circle of friends from all walks of life.

"He was loved and respected by all who knew him, for his kindness, integrity and ability to speak endlessly and knowledgeably on anything they may want to discuss," said his long-time partner.

"I know his loss is felt by so many people, both locally and abroad, and our hearts go out to them.

"Whether they knew him as Alan, Cowboy or Magic, from his days as an equestrian, owner of Bermuda champion dogs, shooting, sailing or fishing, he remained a true friend to all.

"He loved his Island home, and many visitors return year after year because of friendships that have been built up with him and his family."

But Ms Lymbery said her partner was also renowned for his love of the Island.

"His passion for his Island, and in particular its marine life and open spaces, is well known and his enthusiasm and undying efforts to make this a better place for future generations will hopefully not be forgotten," she added.

"But he was never limited by the boundaries of our shores, and diligently followed world events to gain a better understanding of where this little rock fit into the greater picture."

Ms Lymbery, who has been surrounded by friends and relatives at the family home in St. Anne's Road, Southampton, since the nightmare began last Tuesday, said she was just taking one day at a time.

But she said everyone was gaining strength from the passion that Mr. Edness always had throughout his life.

She added: "Alan had decided to retire from fishing at the end of 2002 and had just sold his boat Lady Gambler, yet he continued to be a strong advocate and spokesperson for the rights of fishermen, that he felt so passionately were not being addressed.

"It is a hard and unforgiving industry, unappreciated, yet essential to the Island. Ironically, he was also a strong advocate for a local Coast Guard station on the Island.

"It was incomprehensible to him, and to many more of us, that an Island 700 miles in the middle of the Atlantic has nothing except the willing hands of volunteers."

She said she and Mr. Edness's family thanked everyone for their prayers and tremendous support during this sad time.

"Our hearts go out to the Battersbees who are suffering now, as we are, and we console them in their time of loss, yet our love and joy is with the Lambes, and we are comforted by their blessing," she said.