87th Annual Blessing Of The Fleet

Residents and fisherman from all along the coast participated in one of Biloxi’s most beloved traditions, in preparation for this year’s shrimping season.

“The blessing of the fleet” has evolved into a symbol of good luck for the fishing industry over the years.

Paige Jimerson – 2016 Shrimp Queen
“And without it, I mean things would be different. And people wouldn’t know about it. If we didn’t keep this tradition alive, they wouldn’t know where the seafood industry came from.”

Uniquely decorated boats lined the Biloxi channel for the 87th year of the event.

The tradition starts with the dropping of a memorial wreath a sign of respect for the lives lost at sea.

Maria Skrmetti father lost his life at sea
“My father’s actually in this business. He passed away when I was younger. It definitely shows that it can hit close to home. A lot of people here, their families are directly in this business.”

“Various working and pleasure boats cruised the Mississippi waters to greet the 2016 Shrimp King and Queen and receive a blessing from father Greg Barras.”

Frank Parker – 2016 Shrimp King
“It’s been the same thing for the shrimp industry, the last 4 or 5 years. It’s just super low prices. Catching the shrimp is not the problem. It’s just getting paid for them.”

Father Barras (ber-rah) prayed for a safe and successful season over the 29 working boats, and 58 pleasure boats that passed.

Father Greg Barras – Pastor
“And then we ask for a good harvest. A bounty of seafood that not only will feed us but build an economy that has really been going on for hundreds of years.”