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Hundreds turned out for 20th Blessing of The Fleet at Port Nelson.
Losing her husband to the sea more than 20 years ago still feels like yesterday to Jude Wells, but the annual Blessing of the Fleet brings some comfort to the heartache. At the 20th anniversary of the Blessing of the Fleet held at the Sunderland Marine Pier on Saturday afternoon, hundreds turned out on the sunny Nelson autumn day to sample the $3 fish and chip trays, and take in the sights and sounds of the event. But for some, the day is more than an enjoyable afternoon out , it’s a commemoration of those lost to the sea.
Martin De Ruyter/Stuff
The Coast Guard and the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter will perform a public display as part of the Blessing of the Fleet.
The 20th annual Blessing of the Fleet will start with fireworks on Friday night. Seafarers’ Memorial Trust spokesman Mike Smith says the event is unique in New Zealand. “It’s a colourful ceremony in a beautiful location, and is truly valued by families. The bodies of fishermen lost at sea are often not found and this event is an occasion where next of kin and the wider community can remember them when there is no grave to visit.”
Press Release – Nelson Media Photo: John Paul Pochin Nelsons annual Blessing of the Fishing Fleet is scheduled for Saturday 15 May at noon on Wakefield Quay. This is the 20th year the blessing has been held, and organiser and Seafarers Memorial Trust spokesman Mike Smith …
Photo: John Paul Pochin
Nelson’s annual Blessing of the Fishing Fleet is scheduled for Saturday 15 May at noon on Wakefield Quay.
This is the 20th year the blessing has been held, and organiser and Seafarers’ Memorial Trust spokesman Mike Smith says it’s an event that has won a place on the Nelson calendar and in people’s hearts.