The Apache Drums: A Model Tribute

Hurricane Katrina slammed into Louisiana on August 29th, 2005 - a date that will never be forgotten by many on the Gulf coast.  At the docks in Venice were the twin boats the Apache Trails and the Apache Drums.  In 1980 they had been built one after the other by Landry Boat Works in Bayou La Batre, Alabama.  At 85’ feet each they were proudly owned and well maintained by shrimper Bruce Drury, Sr.  The Apache Drums had just been outfitted with a new Caterpillar engine and the Apache Trails had a full hold of shrimp.  The loss of these assets paled in comparison, though, with the total and complete loss of both boats and the family’s home.

If anything good comes from disasters such as these, it is that those with a generous spirit can find an opportunity to help their fellow man – or in this case their fellow fisherman.   Bruce Drury had met previously with Randy Skinner over a possible boat purchase.  When Randy, in Fairhope, Alabama, learned of the Drurys’ plight he set about raising money and making a plan to help.  Over the course of several months Randy and his volunteer team helped the Drurys rebuild.  

Randy found the Drurys to be equally as giving despite their losses.  So since he also happened to own a model boat building business, Skinner Models, he later set about making a replica of the Apache Drums as a special gift.

Between Randy, who had been building models since 1977, and some talented craftsmen back at the shop we think you’ll agree that this tribute to the Apache Drums is remarkable.  And likewise, the spirit of brotherhood and recovery is just as remarkable!   The Drurys have returned to continuing the family business of shrimping and Randy continues to captain his model building business.

Helen Drury, Bruce Drury Sr., Randy Skinner & Jerrod Mashburn

After the construction of the model it was mounted on wood that was salvaged from the boat itself.

As you can see from the detail a lot of dedication went into making this very special memorial to the Apache Drums.   Surely it will be treasured by the Drury family for as many generations as they have been shrimping!