June 3, 2026 — In a ceremony that was both somber and celebratory, townspeople gathered Sunday at the municipal fish pier for the annual Blessing of the Fleet.
Organized by the nonprofit Women of Fishing Families (WOFF), which is marking its 20th year, the blessing acknowledged the dangers and risks that commercial fishermen face while celebrating the industry’s heritage and role as providers of sustenance for the community.
“An event like this reminds us of what we have to come home to,” said Sam Linnell, captain of the F/V Great Pumpkin. “It’s not easy out there; this has been the toughest winter I think we’ve ever faced. We all need this even more than ever.”
Shannon Eldredge of WOFF noted the lives lost at sea this winter when several New England-based commercial fishing vessels sank, highlighting the risks fishermen take to harvest the ocean’s bounty.
Rev. Jennifer Zogg of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church and Rev. Wendy Dahl of the First Congregational Church of Chatham blessed fishing boats and crews lined up at the south jog of the pier.