PASS CHRISTIAN, Miss. (WLOX) — For 47 years, the Blessing of the Fleet has served as a symbol of hope and protection for shrimpers along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. But this year, the event is shining a spotlight on the challenges the seafood industry is facing.
“We bless the boats, we also bless the community, we bless the waters,” said Kirk Kimball, alderman for Ward 3 in Pass Christian.
Kimball said a surge in imported shrimp and rising fuel costs are making it harder for local shrimpers to stay afloat.
“One of the bigger things that we are doing is drawing attention to the seafood industry that’s been knocked pretty hard by a lot of what you see, that is import shrimp that is coming in,” Kimball said. “That’s really, really set the industry back, and it’s really not sustainable.”
He added that the cost imbalance is affecting not only the industry but also the consumer.
“So we draw attention to the cause,” he said. “Furthermore, what happens is you will see your plate of fried shrimp or seafood platter at today’s price, but before you know it, it’s going to rise — and it is rising.”
Organizers say one of their main goals is to reconnect the community with its maritime roots.
“With the shrimp industry kind of declining here on the coast, it hasn’t been as prevalent of an event,” said Bach Kimball. “So we’re just trying to bring it back and bring the history back to Pass Christian.”
In addition to honoring the fleet, the event also brought the community together with music, food, and family fun.
“I see a bunch of people having fun, looking at the cars, enjoying the music, eating good food,” said Ryan Hurst.
“The music has been really fun — and the trucks as well,” added Angelica Rich.
“The city puts these events together for everyone to come out and have a good time,” said Josh Parker with Puckett Machinery Company, a sponsor of the event. “Events like this are free — they’re all over the Coast.”
Organizers say that kind of community support is key to keeping the tradition alive.
“It brings together all the people — the diversity of Pass Christian,” Bach Kimball said. “The Vietnamese people, the Catholic people, and even our first Vietnamese King Fisherman, Tra Nguyen, also known as Captain Tea.”
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