GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — City officials and residents gathered at Gulfport Harbor to celebrate 100 years of Ship Island Excursions, a family business that began when an immigrant from Croatia started ferrying tourists to the barrier islands.
Peter Martin Skrmetta began the business in 1926, using his oyster lugger to transport tourists. He brought his son into the operation, and eventually his grandchildren took over.
“I remember riding with my grandfather in the early 60s as a little boy on the boat. A lot of great memories,” said Louis Skrmetta. “My aunts and cousins would live on the island. We also had the snack bar on Ship Island- the cafe out there.”
The business now includes fourth and fifth generation family members.
“Right now, we have my children, my brother and his children, my brothers and their kids. We have cousins, nephews, nieces, and some life-long family friends that have been with us for decades that help us,” said Ken Skrmetta.
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The Skrmetta family has been running the excursions to and from the barrier islands for 40 percent of U.S. history.
“Being a part of something that has been on the coast for so long and is so well known to people is always a great opportunity,” said Luke Skrmetta, a fourth generation family member. “Definitely a lot of pride in my family, and just to think that my dad went through a very similar process and his dad before him.”
Louis Skrmetta has been captaining since the 1970s and is ready to retire.
“I think the business is in great hands, in great shape. My younger brothers were raised in the business, like myself. They are just ready to take over, and they have children, and I have a son,” he said.
Ken Skrmetta said he wished his father could have attended the celebration.
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“I wish my dad were here. He would be so proud at this moment. He established this Gulfport operation and created the tourism industry in Gulfport, actually,” he said.
Peter Matthew Skrmetta, known as Captain Pete, died two years ago at 94.
The city named the Ship Island pier in his honor in recognition of the business and Captain Pete’s impact on Gulfport.
“If God spares us, yes. We’ll keep going as long as we’re lucky enough to do it,” Ken Skrmetta said. “We’ve managed to survive 100 years without killing each other. So, that’s a miracle in and of itself.”
A book is being written on the legacy of the Skrmetta family. For more information, visit skrmettafamilylegacy.com.
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