Blessing of the Fleet returns to the Small Craft Harbor

Going on nearly a hundred years, the Blessing of the Fleet in Biloxi rings in another safe season for fishers and boaters.

It’s a ceremony steeped in tradition — a member of the clergy takes to the Biloxi channel to bless these vessels with holy water as they pass by. A ceremonial wreath is then dropped into the water honoring fishermen who have died.

The day was bright and the waters calm — and hundreds of small vessels lined the channel. This makes 93 years the tradition has been going on.

The shrimp royalty this year are Sonia Ross and Joseph Powell, who were elated to get out on the water and usher in the new season. Powell said, “I’m very happy to be here and honored to be here, and being on this boat reminds me of my early years I spent as a shrimper. I spent seven years approximately shrimping and trawling, and I loved doing it until I ended up going into the processing business.”

The blessing boat this year was the Lucky One, helmed by Captain Van Pham.

Ross says her family has deep roots here on the Coast, so for her, it’s also a matter of history. “And for my family personally, it means a lot, because it always got them excited for the blessing and I’m super excited to be involved with it now.”

“My first blessing was 1952 when I was on one of my cousin’s boats and did the blessing. I made a number of them after that. I’m very honored to be a part of it again.”

Yesterday afternoon, the winners for the best decorated boats on the channel for the festivities were announced.

First place best decorated and the $1,000 prize goes to the ‘Captain Justin.’ Second place best decorated and a $500 prize goes to ‘Night Moves.’

The participation winner prize for $500 goes to the ‘Mark and Dawn.’

Boats can contact St. Michaels Church to pick up their prize checks.