Thousands turn out to bless fleet

MARTIN DE RUYTER MARTIN DE RUYTER MARTIN DE RUYTER MARTIN DE RUYTER MARTIN DE RUYTER MARTIN DE RUYTER MARTIN DE RUYTER MARTIN DE RUYTER MARTIN DE RUYTER MARTIN DE RUYTER MARTIN DE RUYTER MARTIN DE RUYTER MARTIN DE RUYTER MARTIN DE RUYTER PATRICK HAMILTON COLIN SMITH COLIN SMITH

Crew from the HMNZS Pukaki salute as the national anthem is sung.

Elizabeth Riddell, left and Michaela Smith from the Nelson Christian Academy watch Talisman Sea Cadets march onto the Sunderland Marine Pier.

Children from the Nelson Christian Academy sing at the Blessing of the Fleet.

The Nelson Male Voice Choir perform at the Blessing of the Fleet.

The public stand as the national anthem is sung at the Blessing of the Fleet.

People watch the ceremony at the Blessing of the Fleet.

Bishop Richard Ellena speaks at the Blessing of the Fleet.

Bishop Richard Ellena leads the offical party through an honor guard of Talisman Sea Cadets.

Father David Gruscol, left Bishop Richard Ellena and Reverend Jeff Cotton face the sea to perform their Blessing of the Fleet.

Commanding officer of the HMNZS Pukaki Alexandra Hansen throws a wreath into Port Nelson.

Michaela Blackman releases pigeons.

Bishop Richard Ellena plays with the Nelson City Brass during the Blessing of the Fleet.

A handling display by the Port Nelson tug WH Parr during the Blessing of the Fleet.

The Summit Rescue Helicopter performs a winch exercise from the Amatal Apollo.

Spectators on the Sunderland Pier watch the flares and fireworks to kick of the Blessing of the Fleet ceremonies.

Spectators on the Sunderland Pier watch the flares and fireworks to kick of the Blessing of the Fleet ceremonies.

Spectators on the Sunderland Pier watch the flares and fireworks to kick of the Blessing of the Fleet ceremonies.

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MARTIN DE RUYTER/Nelson Mail

IN MEMORY: Commanding officer of HMNZS Pukaki Alexandra Hansen throws a wreath into the harbour during the Blessing of the Fleet at Port Nelson.

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The sun briefly poked out from behind a grey cloud as a floral tribute was thrown into the ocean to remember those who lost their lives at sea.

Offered by HMNZS Pukaki commanding officer Lieutenant Alexandra Hansen to the sound of a lone piper, the act was followed by a minute's silence.

Around 3000 people gathered at the Seafarers Memorial on Wakefield Quay on Saturday to watch the ceremony during the 10th annual blessing of Nelson's fishing fleet at the start of the hoki season.

Young and old gathered, munching on boxes of fish and chips and picking at mussels while seagulls squawked overhead.

Master of ceremonies Kent Robertson said the fishing industry was of great significance to the people of Nelson.

"Twenty-six per cent of us directly or indirectly benefit from the industry," he said.

Nelson Bishop Richard Ellena called the ceremony a "unique and special occasion".

Leading the blessing service, he asked the crowd to offer a sign of blessing and peace by raising their hands and holding their palms outwards to the fleet which had gathered.

"The sea is so big and ships are so small. We ask you now to put out blessings on all those who sail on our ships. Protect them from the storms and guide them on the length of their journey."

Nelson's Margery Westerson said she enjoyed the ceremony.

"It was very good – one of the best I have been to."

Nelson retiree Dick Carter, who worked for port companies for more than 30 years as a civil engineer, said: "It's always a magic day. I have been three times and it's good to see the community getting behind the fishing fleet."

The ceremony featured music from many groups, including the Nelson Male Voice Choir.

The words to one of the songs, The Fishermen of Nelson, were written by member Arch Barclay especially for the occasion.

"It's a very old song called The Fishermen of England I have sung for 40 or 50 years – I just adapted the words."

Seafarers Memorial Trust spokesman Mike Smith said those who attended had a great day.

"So many people get so many things out of the blessing of the fleet. There's not many events where you will see children give up their seats to their elders or when you ask for a minute's silence and that's exactly what you get.

"It's a very moving ceremony. It reaches out to all kinds of people."

- © Fairfax NZ News