GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — Ship Island Excursions is marking 100 years of ferry service Saturday, carrying visitors from the Gulfport Yacht Harbor to Ship Island off the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
The Skrmetta family has operated the excursion for generations, with Senior Captain Ken Skrmetta now leading the service following the 2024 death of his father, Captain Pete Skrmetta, at age 94.
A family legacy on the water
“We do everything in our power to try to provide a safe, enjoyable experience on the water for our customers, and we certainly appreciate them coming back year after year to experience the island,” Ken Skrmetta said.
Ken Skrmetta said his father’s connection with passengers shaped the excursion’s identity.
“They loved and adored my dad. He loved them, and we’ve tried to continue his legacy of customer satisfaction, and I can’t tell you what a thrill it is to see someone who’s been coming out here for 30 years or more, bringing their families back year after year,” he said.
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Fifth generation joins the business
The family now spans five generations in the operation. “We’ve had cousins, nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles. Now, we have the fifth generation coming in the business,” Ken Skrmetta said.
His daughter, Kaitlynn Claret, grew up on Ship Island and is part of the excursion family.
“Growing up in the snack bar and on the island with my cousins, you know, watching the sunsets on the beaches and working as a teenager in the snack bar with all my family members, I just have so many incredible memories of us being together out there on the island,” Claret said.
Claret said the family’s work is about more than continuing a tradition.
“For others to get to experience this national park and the beauty of the nature out there, how thrilling it is to see dolphins jumping in the water, just to have a day to relax and make memories with your family, they’ve worked so hard to keep providing this service,” she said.
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