week 22, post 5: follow up to Ritagail's questions

An answer to Ritagail's questions is in order:
Shrimp boats come in all sizes, from little 20-foot craft to giant 100-footers. The little boats fish close in, in shallow and/or confined spaces, and generally stay out 24 hours or less. There is no galley, no sleeping space, they are open to the weather, and -- the most limiting factor -- they can only hold so much shrimp -- several hundred pounds. The biggest boats fish offshore in deeper, more dangerous waters. They have a galley (with a cook), (tiny)places to sleep, and can store several thousand pounds of shrimp. They stay out a week or more. For all the boats, fishing for shrimp only works with an outgoing tide. This is especially true close in.

Fishing is still one of the most dangerous of professions. Several injuries, plus a few lost lives, would be typical of every fishing season. The many lines, plus winches and other gear, can quickly sever a finger or even a hand or arm. Storms come up suddenly and the boats, designed to be very shallow draft and maneuverable, can be capsized and sunk. Debris from the hurricanes or the petroleum industry or shipping litters the ocean floor. When nets snag in it, a boat will be jerked sideways and may capsize. This season will be especially dangerous. Every family is aware of these dangers as the fishermen head out.

The beginning of the shrimping season is marked by a prayer ceremony in each community called "The blessing of the fleet." Prayers are said for safety, for a bountiful harvest, for good prices, for the endurance of the families as they wait. At the blessing of the fleet, the boats are (often)decorated and they parade down the bayou, with families and friends on board in a festive mood. The local priest sprinkles each boat with holy water as it passes by. For some this may be seen as a relic of our superstitious past, but all are also quietly aware of the vulnerability of the fishermen, their families and the community which makes the blessing presence of the divine a longed-for comfort.

Peace, Warren.