The Blessing of the Fleet is part of Hatteras Island’s annual Day at the Docks event that celebrates fishing and working waterfronts. Usually held in mid-September, Day at the Docks was cancelled this year due to Hurricane Irene. The Blessing of the Fleet was rescheduled for today. Hatteras Island working boats gather and line up in the Pamlico Sound and parade into the harbor for the blessing of the fleet and prayer for continued safety at sea and successful catches.
Day at the Docks was started to celebrate the “Spirit of Hatteras” when the village recovered from Hurricane Isabel in 2003 as an intact community, anchored by the commercial and charter fishing fleet. The daylong event is a confirmation of the strength of community, heritage and living traditions of the watermen.
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