Members from Westport’s broad maritime community, from fisherman to Coast Guardsmen, gathered Sunday to remember those who went to sea and didn’t return.

Members of local religious organizations also blessed the fleet for the coming years, with wishes of good fortune and good catches.

“We are all drawn to the sea,” said Westport Mayor Ed Welter as he addressed the gathered crowd of more than 100 on a cloudy, blustery afternoon. “We have built our lives around the ocean’s fickle moods and unpredictable nature.”

Longtime fisherman Greg Barnes rang the bell as others read the names of those claimed by the ocean, whether providing for their families and community, or in the service of the Coast Guard. A motor lifeboat crew from Coast Guard Station Grays Harbor laid a memorial wreath off the point.

Michael S. Lockett / The Daily World South Beach Regional Fire Authority Chaplain Coleena Curry reads from a religious text during the annual Blessing of the Fleet in Westport on Sunday.

Michael S. Lockett / The Daily World Longtime fisherman Greg Barnes rings the memorial bell as the names of those dead at sea are read during the Blessing of the Fleet.

Michael S. Lockett / The Daily World Members of the fire department and veteran groups present the colors during the Blessing of the Fleet in Westport on Sunday.