Tag Archives: Morehead City
Blessing of the Fleet pays tribute to commercial fishing families
It was a picture-perfect day Sunday as the sun glistened on the rippling waters of Beaufort Inlet for the 27th annual Blessing of the Fleet ceremony, held at Radio Island between Morehead City and Beaufort. Twenty-five commercial fishing vessels slowly made their way by Radio Island as wreaths were thrown into the water. Each wreath represented a commercial fisherman or family member who had died. The solemn procession was a segment of the NC Seafood Festival that honors area commercial fishing families and those who have died while harvesting food from the sea. As well as about 200 people lining the shore to watch the procession, private boaters filled the waterway to pay tribute. 15 Photos, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 14:46
Blessing of the Fleet pays tribute to commercial fishing families
The sun broke through the clouds Sunday morning just in time for the start of the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony at the N.C. Port in Morehead City. Thirty commercial fishing vessels slowly made their way by the port as wreaths were thrown in the water. Each wreath represented a commercial fisherman or family member who had died. The solemn procession was a segment of the N.C. Seafood Festival that honors area commercial fishing families and those who have died while harvesting food from the sea. In addition to 200 people lining the shore to watch the procession, private boaters filled the waterway to pay tribute. “As these boats are getting ready to come by, I can’t help but think of those fellas in Florida who have lost everything,” he said. “They just don’t need prayer, they need help. – Guest speaker Zack Davis. 23 Photos, >click to read< 22:17
North Carolina: Two events set to pay tribute to fishing industry, families
Fishers, families and friends are set to gather Sunday morning for the 25th Blessing of the Fleet in Morehead City, a time set aside to honor and remember those who work and have worked in the commercial fishing industry. The Blessing of the Fleet is a nondenominational religious service that begins at 10 a.m. at the Morehead City state port and will include the “Throwing of the Wreath for Fishermen Everywhere” and a procession of fishing vessels. The service takes places during the North Carolina Seafood Festival this weekend in downtown Morehead City. In the event of inclement weather, the blessing will not take place. >click to read< 10:07
Community pays tribute to commercial fishing families during annual Blessing of the Fleet
“This is a time when we come together to honor the commercial fishing industry and the lives lost in this dangerous trade,” N.C. Seafood Festival Chairperson Dale Gillikin said to open the ceremony. “I know how much this service means to you, because I know how much it means to me,” she continued. “It brings chills to my spine, 
a warmth to my heart and tears to my eyes. You see, I grew up in a commercial fishing family, so I know how hard it is to work in this industry.” Bradley Styron of Cedar Island, a member of the Carteret County Commercial Fisherman’s Association, threw the wreath, which had a blue ribbon attached. Family members of commercial fishermen who have died this year were invited to surround Mr. Styron as he threw it into the sound. 10 photos, >click to read< 09:59
Famous boat now calls the Crystal Coast home
The Cricket II was built in 1947 for Captain Frank Mundus who in 1978 Newsweek magazine was called “the most celebrated shark fisherman in the world.” Mundus fished out of Montauk, N.Y. for 50 years, specializing in the hunt for sharks, in particular great white sharks. It was no coincidence that the “Jaws” character, Capt. Quint, bore much resemblance to the real-life Capt. Mundus. Capt. Joe DiBella of Morehead City has quite a history with the Cricket II. Joe says, “My history with the Cricket II began when I was 8 years old. I fished on the Cricket II out of Montauk, N.Y. with my father and first captain Frank Mundus.” >click to read< 10:31
Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony to honor fishermen Sunday, in Morehead City
Each October, as the N.C. Seafood Festival comes to a close, fishermen and their families are honored during the Blessing of the Fleet. This year’s ceremony is at 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, at the N.C. State Port, 113 Arendell St., in Morehead City. Fishermen spend long, hard days on the water providing a living for their families, and the ceremony draws attention to the work that these men and women provide for their community. “Every year we gather at the Blessing to honor the men and women who continue to work the water, along with their fathers and grandfathers who went before them,” said Jonathan Robinson, of Atlantic. He is a fisherman, county commissioner and member of the Carteret County Fishermen’s Association. “It is a very special time to those of us who are part of this industry. We hope that somehow this service will inspire the next generation to hold on to this way of life. Read the story here 10:59
Despite strong winds and cold, pelting rain, hundreds attend the 18th annual Blessing of the Fleet
MOREHEAD CITY – “The Blessing of the Fleet is always filled with pride and homesickness for the local people; today was especially so,” Ms. Amspacher said. “ I think it was the weather, not just today’s rain and wind, but also the fear and threat of a storm we had all worried about for days. All that brought us closer to the realities of a fisherman’s life every day. Over and over today I heard people saying, ‘this is their life – I couldn’t let the weather keep me away,’ and that understanding set the tone for today’s service.” Read the rest here 16:22
Blessing of the Fleet in Morehead City honors tradition, Joaquin be damned.
Commercial fishing trawlers cruise around the N.C. State Port of Morehead City as bands a rain and wind zip across the Intracoastal Waterway during the annual Blessing of the Fleet ceremony on Sunday where family and friends gather to honor and remember the fallen. (Dylan Ray photo)16:01
Coast Guard sets Port Condition Yankee for Morehead City, NC
The Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) North Carolina has set Port Condition Yankee for Morehead City in preparation for the anticipated weather impact of Hurricane Arthur. The port of Morehead City is closed to all inbound traffic. No vessel may enter the port of Morehead City without the permission of the COTP. Read more here 08:23
