MS HC58

Ship Island Excursions, a family-owned ferry company operating out of Gulfport, Mississippi, celebrates its 100th anniversary in March 2026 after being founded in 1926 by Croatian immigrant Peter Martin Skrmetta ("Captain Pete")

The company began as a summer side business using a 56-foot diesel-powered schooner called the Pan American to ferry passengers to barrier islands when shrimping operations shut down in hot months

Now operated by the third generation of the Skrmetta family, the company has transported over 1.2 million visitors on the 11-mile journey across Mississippi Sound to Ship Island and Gulf Islands National Seashore

The business offers daily trips to Ship Island from March through October, plus year-round dolphin-watching excursions, sunset cocktail cruises, and chartered events

The resolution recognizes the company's community involvement, including providing transportation for beach cleanup crews, discounted tickets for school and youth groups, and donated tickets to local nonprofit fundraisers