ROCKLAND, Maine — On the Rockland waterfront, looking out to Penobscot Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, newly rusting steel holds the memory of tragedy at sea.

It also shows the dedication of an artist and former mariner, determined that Maine should not forget those who were lost.

“It's 33 souls, doesn’t matter what your position is on the ship. You are a living human being with family and life,” Jay Sawyer , creator of the steel sculpture, said.

On Oct. 1, 2015, the cargo ship El Faro sank in Hurricane Joaquin while trying to dodge the storm and reach Puerto Rico. All 33 crew members on the ship died.

Four of those merchant mariners were from Maine — Capt. Michael Davidson, Michael Holland, Dylan Mecklin, and Danielle Randolph.

All were graduates of Maine Maritime Academy, just like Ja

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