Fishing crews gather for annual blessing at Seattle’s Fishermen’s Terminal
Under a clear sky, fishermen and their families gathered at Fishermen’s Terminal this past Sunday before a fleet of boats that would soon head to open waters.
People thought about crew safety, a bountiful seafood harvest and appreciation for emergency responders.
The 81st annual ‘Blessing of the Fleet’ drew about 100 people from throughout the Seattle area to the terminal, marking a tradition started by the late Rev. O.L. Haavik.
Among the elected officials who spoke, U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott talked about how the tradition still has meaning. He noted that the Seattle-based Alaska Ranger sunk last year – five people lost their lives. The vessel was about 120 miles off Dutch Harbor in Alaska. ‘This is something that is with us all the time,’ said McDermott, a Seattle Democrat.
This year’s blessing comes as the nation and the world face difficult economic times. A lower demand for some ‘luxury’ fish, such as halibut and increased industry costs also are hurting, speakers said.
But Bob Alverson of the Fishing Vessel Owners’ Association noted that people in the industry are resilient. ‘One thing I like about fishermen is that they’re some of the most optimistic people around,’ he said.
On behalf of the entire fishing fleet this year, the F/V Middleton, a 56-foot boat owned by Seattle resident Kurt Hansen, received the annual blessing. Standing on his boat, Hansen raised a blue pennant that had the images of a fish and a cross.
‘Keep them safe,’ said the Rev. Erik Wilson Weiberg of Ballard First Lutheran Church. Then he turned to the audience and said: ‘Go in peace.’
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