On Sunday, June 8th, the Montauk commercial fishing fleet once again held its annual “Blessing of the Fleet.” The weather was perfect, as was the turnout. This is just one of many traditions that help launch the East End season. It’s colorful to see so many different types of commercial fishing boats in the harbor reveling. Watching the boats being blessed is as moving as watching them motor gently in order out of the Montauk Harbor jetty into Block Island Sound for the solemn ceremony. The boats then all gather in a huge circle for the reading of the names of deceased fishermen and the tossing of wreaths of flowers, followed by the playing of “Taps.” The ceremony is broadcast on ship-to-shore radio. In fact, you can hear the live broadcast booming from all the radios in unison across the numerous boats.
Montauk is a unique community on the East End. It has been known as the “Unhamptons” and as “a small fishing town” located at “The End” of Long Island. It is also recognized for the special bond among all the fishermen. When out in the ocean and dicey situations arise, that bond becomes essential. As noted fisherman Jeff Bline once said to this author, “There are no atheists in a really bad storm at sea.”
The first Montauk Blessing of the Fleet took place on June 10, 1956. The story goes that Vinny Grimes, a noted Montauk fisherman, witnessed a similar ceremony while serving in the U.S. Navy. The legendary act of blessing boats has been a maritime tradition in many cultures since ancient times. It took Grimes just one year to bring the Montauk blessing together.
The heart of the ceremony centers around blessing the boats and their crews. There is also a remembrance of those who have perished at sea. In a loosely organized procession, skilled captains line up to pass the “Viking Starship,” where clergy representatives of various faiths bless each vessel and crew as they float by.
Boats with names such as SEA SPEARIT, ANNA MARY, WINDY, WIFE IV, MISS MONTAUK II, FINCHASER, HURRY UP, EBBTIDE II, KIMBERLY, MY DAWN, MASTERPIECE, DEFIANT, KENNEBUNK, MORE FUN, EMOTIONAL RESCUE, KINGFISHER, and RUBY were among those spotted—though many more participated. It was special to witness them motoring by, shouting salutations to fellow fishermen and their families on board. Often, these men communicate via radio when far apart at sea, asking for advice, second opinions, or weather updates. The respect they have for each other runs deep.
A new twist to the fanfare this year came from the “Anna Mary,” which featured live music to entertain those on board and nearby boats. Porshia Denning played guitar and ukulele, performing both standards and original songs, and welcomed others to join in or perform solos. Before departing, there was a cookout in front of the boat, and local favorite Nancy Atlas and her children stopped by to say hello.
If you’ve never participated in or attended the “Blessing of the Fleet,” you’re missing out on something truly special. Speaking of absences, this year Billy Joel and his fishing boat “Alexa” were noticeably missed. Everyone hopes to see him and his family back, healthy, next year.
This author would be remiss not to mention the vessel he was aboard—the “Anna Mary,” with Anthony Sosinski and John Aldridge. Lifelong best friends, they are recipients of their own divine blessing. Twelve years ago, while Anthony was catching some shut-eye en route to sea, John—due to a broken handle on a cooler—tumbled overboard and was lost at sea for nearly a day. He was eventually spotted by a Rhode Island U.S. Coast Guard chopper and rescued by heroic Coast Guard personnel. The full story is chronicled in Sosinski’s best-selling book, A Speck in the Sea. The gripping tale includes John’s resourceful use of his rubber boots as flotation devices and his harrowing night alone in the Atlantic, fending off sharks.
There’s no doubt that Anthony and John know what it means to have prayers answered. Each year, when they hear the names of their fallen friends and fellow fishermen, they say a quiet prayer—for the departed and one of thanks for their own survival.
