Molly Kool

Myrtle "Molly" Kool (February 23, 1916 – February 25, 2009) was a Canadian sea captain. She is recognized as being one of the first registered female sea captains or ship masters in North America. She was one of the first female Master Mariners in Canada.

Early life Myrtle Kool was born in Alma, New Brunswick, the daughter of Myrtle Anderson and Paul Kool, a Dutch sailor, the second of five siblings. She disliked her given name and changed it to Molly instead. She grew up sailing, spending much time on the Jean K, a scow built and owned by her father and named for her older sister. Kool left life at sea to marry Ray Blaisdell of Bucksport, Maine in 1944. Her brother took over as captain of the rebuilt Jean K. She sold Singer sewing machines during this time.

Legacy In 2018 the Canadian Coast Guard named an icebreaker after her as , and in 2019 a sailing ship was named in her honour.

A monument to her accomplishment was erected near the wharf in Alma. , the home she grew up in is being rebuilt from the original remains and an exhibit is planned at the entrance of Fundy National Park.