Destin captains pray for safety, prosperity w/ VIDEO

DESTIN — Spiritual mixed with practical at the 51st annual Blessing of the Fleet on Thursday.

Prayers to keep charter boat crews and their patrons safe are at the core of the event.

This year’s blessing on Destin Harbor also sought the ease the foreboding many fishermen feel as recession, soaring fuel prices and more fishing regulations in federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico conspire to make earning a living harder.

“I’m planning on being on the bow, mid-ship and stern” as the boat passes the clergy barge, said a smiling Richard Auchard, first mate aboard Miss Hazel. “I want to be blessed three times.”

Auchard has been a crewman on fishing vessels for some 13 years.

He said Destin’s fleet can endure economic downturns or restrictive fishing rules, but surviving both simultaneously might be too difficult for many boats.

“(Red) snapper are not in danger,” he said, referring to a recent federal rule that will shut down the recreational fishery earlier. “We’re suffering. I wish somebody would tell me why. I’m just trying to pay the house note.”

The theme was repeated on the deck of Fishermen’s Wharf Seafood House shortly before clergy in white and black robes flowed toward the barge to bless scores of passing boats.

“Lord God, I pray for the fishermen that go out there,” said the Rev. Dave Hope of Immanuel Anglican Church. “I pray for the safety of the fishermen.” He then went on to pray for “balance, wisdom and fairness” among fishery managers. Lower fuel prices would be a mighty big help, too.

“The reason we’re asking is because we want to provide for our families,” Hope continued.

Even the engines that push the boats through the water were mentioned.

“Bless these things,” said Hope. “Preserve these things.”

Capt. Johnney Giesbrecht of the Mary Lou said times are harder for the charter fishing industry, but he was more than hopeful the fleet would survive.

Like other businesses, captains rely to some degree on repeat customers. But those folks also pay attention to what fishery managers do. If the red snapper recreational fishing season is curbed or if bag or size limits are changed, they’re aware and may postpone booking or go on shorter trips.

“Every captain is feeling the crunch,” said Giesbrecht. But “we’re going to make it. It’s going to happen.”