A mate is a deck officer aboard a merchant vessel, such as the chief mate (first mate), second mate, or third mate.
At 7:30 p.m., the ship's first mate noticed that the woodwork and casings about the smokestack were on fire.
Shortly thereafter, the first mate actually dies during his watch, again of no apparent cause.
Gross also did not get along with his first mate.
Having started an education as a first mate, he left this after two years and instead worked as a salesman.
But despite his cleverness, the first mate is able to get the upper hand.
Suspecting the truth, the first mate goes below to destroy the coffins.
He drinks despite there being a rule about no alcohol on board and is useless as a first mate.
