Last Sunday was the 2024 Montauk’s annual Blessing of the Fleet. The day turned into a blessing itself. A small miracle happened after a morning of blustery winds and hard rain. By 4:30 pm, the Montauk sky was blue, and the seagulls were flying through brilliant sunlight for the event. This day is most special because these commercial fishermen are more than a brotherhood; they are a direct line to old Montauk. Being a fisherman is a biblical and ancient calling that is necessary and dangerous. The first Montauk Blessing of the Fleet occurred on June 10, 1956. Vinny Grimes, a Montauk fisherman, witnessed a ceremony during his tenure with the U.S. Navy and started the ball rolling for one in Montauk in 1955. The next spring, the tradition started.
“Blessing of the Fleet,” is actually universal, research says it is a centuries-old tradition originating perhaps in southern Europe. A blessing from the local clergy back then was an effort to involve God to ensure a safe and bountiful season. Although credited to Europe, other historians say it may date back to ancient times.
The essence of the “Blessing of the Fleet” in Montauk is to safeguard ships and their crew members. This year, the clergy, representing all faiths, were once again aboard the “Viking Starship.” Slowly, each vessel passed by and was blessed individually. This day is a sign that the summer commercial fishing season in Montauk begins.
Then, the commercial boats slowly leave the harbor, enter Block Island Sound, and circle around the “Viking Starship.” Once there, the solemn remembrance ceremony for the “Blessing of the Fleet” starts. It commemorates the lives of the lost fishermen. Emotions are high as everyone watches members of the families of those who have lost loved ones over the years toss ceremonial remembrance wreaths into the water as the names are read on the ship-to-shore radio. Then a lone solemn trumpet plays “Taps,” followed by a huge, very emotional sound from a short concert of every fog horn on every boat! This moment is very emotional. It is followed by a floating procession by the captains of the commercial vessels navigating their rigs in a circle to salute their fellow friends who harvest the sea commercially.
On board Anthony Sosinski’s “Anna Mary,” John Aldridge hugged his wife. His sister, Cathy Patterson, was also there, and her eyes were fixed on the flowers in the water for those lost at sea. It has now been eleven years since her brother John’s rescue that is captured in the bestselling book “A Spec In The Sea.” As Ms. Patterson told this author last year, when they found him that he was alive and well, the whole Coast Guard Station erupted into applause and yelling. She said, “We were crying. We were laughing; We were in disbelief. There were like 20,000 emotions going through us at one time. I remember sending rapid-fire texts out to everybody who was calling all day saying, “he’s alive!”
All those aboard the “Anna Mary” watched John Aldridge and his lifetime buddy and fishing partner Anthony Sosinski, who assisted heroically in the frantic, successful search. They both truly understand the power of prayer and the blessings done by the clergymen. Their prayers were answered over a decade ago, and they will forever feel thankful and blessed.
