Bunbury’s boating community on Saturday honoured the life of missing fisherman Jeffrey ‘Scruffy’ Doyle at its annual Blessing of the Fleet ceremony.
Nearly 20 boats departed the Bunbury Yacht Club and made their way to the Barbados waterfront where they each received blessings for a successful and safe fishing season.
Friends and family watched on as a wreath was laid in the water to remember the much-loved fisherman who failed to return from a fishing trip in October.
Commodore Noel Seymour said the blessing ceremony reinforces that safety at sea is paramount and is a timely reminder as the boating season kicks off.
Mr Seymour acknowledged the presence of Department of Transport and Marine Sea Rescue representatives who were also a part of the convoy.
“The club is family and we look after one another and we move on together,” Mr Seymour said.
“Jeff was a long-term member who was well-respected, an able seaman and this has been a tragic loss.”
Ivy James
Journalist for Bunbury Mail, Australian Community Media and Fairfax Media
Journalist for Bunbury Mail, Australian Community Media and Fairfax Media
