Peter M. Jurich was born on the island of Brac, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia to Dominick and Katherine Sekul Jurich. He and his four siblings came to the United States in 1926 with their parents and settled in Biloxi on Pine Street in the Point Cadet area. Here, his father began the family’s legacy of work in the seafood industry as an oyster dredge operator. A fifth sibling was born in Biloxi and the family later moved to 3rd Street on The Point.
Peter, who proudly carried the moniker “Mutt”, began earning his living on seafood factory boats. He married Marie Barhonovich, daughter of fellow industry man, Frank Barhonovich and together they raised four children on 1st Street, on Point Cadet.
After the 1937 construction of the MISS YUGOSLAV, a wooden oil screw built by Galle Shipyard for his father, Dominick, “Mutt” worked first as a deckhand then later as captain. This was his livelihood from 1940-1963. He then went on to work other Biloxi luggers including the REGINA EDNA, owned by his father-in-law, the GULF CENTRAL owned by Seacoast Factory, the CAVALIER owned by the Sekul family, and the STAR FISH owned by the Fayard factory.
Proud of his Croatian heritage, he was a member of the Slavonian Benevolent Association. As captain, he ensured the MISS YUGOSLAV participated in the Annual Blessing of the Fleet Ceremonies.
The Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum is happy to honor Captain Peter “Mutt” Jurich in the Heritage Hall of Fame for his contributions to the seafood industry of the Gulf Coast and his community.
The MISS YUGOSLAV with Capt. "Mutt" Jurich at the helm.
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