GOREY’S maritime and church communities came together to give thanks to the Island’s search-and-rescue teams.
Lifeboat crews and senior Ports of Jersey staff were among those who attended the 2024 Gorey Boat Blessing, which was led by the Rev Jeff Wattley on the pier under bright sunshine.
The Sunday ceremony, which is also held to honour and remember those lost at sea and to seek God’s blessing for local boats and crews, included hymns, prayers, music and the releasing of wreaths – as well as a flyover from the Channel Islands Air Search plane.
Speaking to the JEP, Mr Wattley noted how well attended the service – co-ordinated by the Gorey Boat Owners Association and Gouray Church – has been in recent years.
He said: “It certainly feels like a fixture now, it’s something that both the boat owners’ association and the church plan for in their diaries as soon as they can.
“The turnout of support for the set-up this morning was the best ever – we had about 15 people turn up at 8.30am to help get it all ready.”
Reflecting on his speech, in which he made reference to Storm Ciarán, Mr Wattley described Jersey’s emergency services and search and rescue teams as “the heroes of the Island”.
He continued: “It’s that much more urgent and dangerous at sea – just because if you don’t get pulled out of the water quick then you are not going to get out alive.”
He added that Islanders should never “ride out the storm alone”.
“If you are going through a storm, whether at sea or just in your life, seek help. The church can be a rescue service, the authorities, social services and everybody else are all here to help – no one should be struggling alone.”
Jersey’s Harbour Master, Captain Bill Sadler, who spoke at the boat blessing – said the proceedings were “really important”.
He explained: “It brings the whole boating community together, so it’s very much about search and rescue but it’s also part of Gorey as well.”
He added: “These [events] do span centuries and continents – wherever you go in the world where there is a maritime community, there is some kind of boat-blessing ceremony.”
