05/16/2026
What a beautiful day for the Newport Fishermen’s Wives Annual Blessing of the Fleet on Sunday, May 3.
Each year, this cherished tradition brings our community together to honor our fishing fleet, pray for the safety and protection of our fishermen and their families, and remember those who have lost their lives at sea.
The Newport Fishermen’s Wives extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this meaningful day possible.
A special thank you to the Port of Newport International Terminal for generously allowing us to use your facility and providing the perfect setting for this important community tradition.
We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Pastor Seth McCray for the blessing of the fleet, a meaningful and cherished part of the day that brought our community together in reflection and hope.
To our wonderful volunteers, thank you for giving your time and energy throughout the day, especially during the Survival Suit Races and the Community BBQ. Your support helped everything run smoothly.
A huge thank you to the hardworking Port crew for setting up and grilling burgers and hot dogs on a warm spring day. You worked your tails off, and we are so grateful for all you did.
We are also deeply grateful to Timbers Restaurant and Lounge in Toledo for generously donating all of the delicious side dishes for the Community BBQ. Your kindness and generosity are sincerely appreciated.
We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the United States Coast Guard for their support throughout the day and for the beautiful addition of presenting the colors during the memorial.
Additionally, thank you to Kiera Morgan and the crew with Oregon Coast Breaking News for their coverage and video throughout the day, helping share this special event with the wider community.
The day concluded with our Fishermen’s Memorial, a beautiful and moving ceremony honoring the fishermen and others connected to our fishing community who are no longer with us. Their memory remains in the hearts of this community and serves as a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and enduring spirit of those who make their living on the sea. A special thank you to Pastor Luke Frechette for presiding over the memorial service, and to Sharon Biddinger for sharing her incredible musical talents; her voice added something truly special to the ceremony.
Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this special day so memorable. The Blessing of the Fleet continues to reflect the strength, resilience, and heart of Newport’s fishing community.
Port of Newport Timber's Restaurant and Lounge U.S. Coast Guard Station Yaquina Bay Oregon Coast Breaking News Luke Frechette Sharon Biddinger Seth McCray Kiera Morgan
