“Dolphins off the port side!” shouted a jubilant Capt. Dennis Smith from the wheelhouse to crew and divers aboard the Dina Dee II. “One of the many perks to owning a dive boat,” Smith said, “is how much marine wildlife can be witnessed.” His nephew and partner, Capt. Francis Gary Smith II, stood starboard side just outside the wheelhouse, where he could keep a vigilant eye on the water, the radar and the redundant navigation system.

The oceanwas socked inside heavy fog, and the prior evening’s thunderstorm had created a light swell.