TOFINO, B.C. — A reverend relayed a prayer over a radio transmission and a choir sang hymns from the dock in the pelting rain as vessels lined up to be blessed in a West Coast ceremony of hope, safety and survival.
The annual blessing of the boats ceremony in Tofino, British Columbia, was conducted as the tourism-dependent community struggles to recover from a tragic whale-watching incident last October that resulted in six deaths.
The cause of the sinking of the Leviathan II vessel near Tofino with more than two dozen people on board is still under investigation, but those at the ceremony say they are ready to move ahead after a winter of deep reflection.
The boat blessing ceremony, using water sprayed from a ceremonial squirt gun, is part of the Tofino area's 30th annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival marking the annual return of up to 20,000 migrating grey whales.
Tofino Mayor Josie Osborne says the blessing ceremony carries more poignancy this year as many are thinking about the tragedy.
Rev. Will Ferrey broadcast his prayers from the dock to waiting whale watching and fishing boats, kayaks and coast guard and Department of Fisheries and Oceans vessels.
