About 50 people turned out Sunday afternoon for the 83rd annual Blessing of the Fleet. As is tradition, leaders from Ballard First Lutheran Church led the service.
Pastor Erik R. Wilson Weiberg of the church gave the blessing. “We pray, oh God, as this vessel before us, the Haida Warrior, goes to sea to fish, that you would bless it and the entire fleet which it represents this day. As it hoists its flag, help us to remember that that flag symbolizes our prayer for the safety of all in this industry.”
Speaking today were Congressman Jim McDermott, Washington State Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles, King County Councilmember Larry Phillips and King County Councilmember Larry Phillips. Bob Alverson, the executive director of the Fishing Vessel Owners’ Association and John Cerighton, the Port of Seattle Commissioner also spoke.
The Haida Warrior was selected to represent the 700 or so fishing vessels docked at Fishermen’s Terminal who are preparing to fish off the coast of Washington, Canada and Alaska. Captain Dave Franklin hoisted the Christ Pennant to fly above the ship. “I’m happy to serve my port,” he tells us. The Haida Warrior is scheduled to leave this June for salmon fishing.
