Hundreds made their way to the Sunderland Marine Pier today to celebrate the annual Blessing of the Fleet ceremony. Beginning with music by the Motueka Brass Band and Salvation Army Brass Band, the ceremony also included musical performances by the Nelson Male Choir and Nelson Christian Academy, before the blessing, which was led by Bishop Richard Ellena, Archdeacon Andy Joseph, Reverend Jeff Cotton and Father Bill Warwick. Graeme Bennett, whose son died at sea, tossed a bouquet into the water, after which a minutes silence was held, broken by eight bell tolls. The event commemorates those who have lost their lives at sea and blesses the fishing vessels in the lead up to the hoki season. A staged rescue by the rescue helicopter just in front of the pier brought the Blessing of the Fleet to a close.
