Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey attends ceremonies
Fishing communities in Newfoundland and Labrador are hosting their annual boat lighting ceremonies this December, honouring those who work in one of Canada’s most dangerous industries.
And the province’s premier has shown support for the event.
In Port de Grave, about 100 kilometres northeast of Branch, the tradition is in its 26th year. On Friday night, roughly 100 people gathered on the town’s wharf, where 50 fishing vessels were adorned with twinkling lights. The evening included caroling and hot chocolate, but also a moment of silence to remember local fishers who died in the past year and to pray for the safety of those still working.
"Any time the fishery is on the go, you have people losing their lives," said organizer Joyce Morgan in a report from The Canadian Press (CP). "And we're so very thankful that (while) there have been a number of accidents on the water ... everyone has come home safely."
The Port de Grave boat lighting began when local fisherman Eric Lear decorated his vessel with Christmas lights. The event has since grown into a major attraction, drawing visitors from across the province.
“This site has become an annual Christmas event for many and a beacon of hope and strength to all that visit,” said fisherman Ivan Lear to attendees on Friday, according to the CP report posted on CTV News.
Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey attended the event, marking the first time a provincial leader has attended. Visitors posed for photos in front of a Christmas tree made from lobster traps and an inflatable Santa mounted on a fishing boat. Homes in the community also joined the festive display, with one property featuring over 500 illuminated candy canes.
In Branch, a town of about 200 residents on Newfoundland’s east coast, fishers will hold their own boat lighting on Dec. 21. The event, which began in 2014, includes a candlelit moment of silence to honour past and present fishers.
Mayor Kelly Power told CP that the tradition started after a particularly difficult year when four residents, including a young man, died from various causes.
“We pay tribute to today’s fishermen, and we offer prayers for protection and safety to our fishermen today,” Power said.
Fishing continues to be one of Canada’s most dangerous industries.
Earlier this year, seven men from Newfoundland’s New-Wes-Valley survived a harrowing incident after their vessel caught fire more than 220 kilometres offshore. The crew spent three days adrift in a life raft before being rescued, a rare survival story in an industry often marked by tragedy.
