39th annual Blessing of the Fleet honors fishers who have died at sea
Richard Sturgill, Plover captain and member of the Seafarers’ Memorial Committee, carries the Blessing of the Fleet wreath to the “Sound Star” for placement in the sea.
Photo by Grace McCarthy
Dozens of community members gathered in the Blaine Harbor Boating Center on May 7 to remember fishers who have died and pray for those embarking on the upcoming season.
Photo by Grace McCarthy
Blaine resident and former commercial fisherman Charlie Hawkins rang the bell after each name was read during the ceremony.
Photo by Grace McCarthy
People place flowers on the wreath in honor of fishermen who have died. The names of over 40 fishers were read during the ceremony.
Photo by Grace McCarthy
State representative Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) reads a Blessing of the Fleet resolution from the state senate.
Photo by Grace McCarthy
Blaine High School band members play music during the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony.
Photo by Grace McCarthy
Port of Bellingham commissioner Bobby Briscoe places a flower on the wreath for Norm Walsh, a longtime Blaine commercial fisherman who died in 2022.
Photo by Grace McCarthy
A U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary member receives the wreath on the “Sound Star.”
Photo by Grace McCarthy
Gary Dunster, of the Seafarers’ Memorial Committee.
