Summary
An inventor from Sumartin whose mechanical block, the Puretic Power Block, significantly changed the hauling of fishing nets. His life brings together fishing on Brač, emigration and technical innovation.
The Power Block reduced effort and sped up the hauling of purse-seine nets.
Sumartin and life abroad
Puratić came from Sumartin and also worked as a fisherman in the United States. His life story forms part of the history of emigration from Brač. A scholarly article specifically notes discrepancies in previously published biographical dates; Sumartin and the year of his birth, 1904, are firm points.
How the invention changed the work
The mechanical block known as the Puretic Power Block made it easier and faster to haul purse-seine nets. The invention addressed the real problem of the heavy physical labour involved in fishing. Its use increased the productivity of fishing fleets and spread beyond a single port or country.
The story returns to his birthplace
The fishing interpretation centre in Sumartin, known as ‘Kuća od pet dolori’ (‘House of Five Dollars’), presents his legacy and the history of fishing. The European Commission describes the centre as a project to preserve local maritime heritage. Puratić’s story thus returns to the community from which he set out across the Atlantic.
Sources: [3]
