Maritime welfare charities in the UK have joined forces to support a new annual National Fishing Remembrance Day for those who have lost their lives while fishing at sea.
The first National Fishing Remembrance Day will take place on Sunday 12 May 2024 supported by The Seafarers’ Charity, The Fishermen’s Mission and Stella Maris.
”For many, many years, in ports around the whole coastline of the UK, we have been holding memorial, single vessel and fleet blessing services. To finally have a national day that allows us to come together and remember so many fishermen who have lost their lives while bringing in the catch is momentous for everyone connected with fishing,” said Marc Evans, chief executive at The Fishermen’s Mission.
”From experience, we know how deeply each and every loss affects families, friends and whole communities. We continue to support those in their time of need and we are pleased to join our maritime charity partners in this event.”
Feeding the nation
Fishing to catch seafood is still one of the most dangerous jobs in the UK with recent tragedies at sea occurring in north east Scotland in September and off the south coast of England in October 2023.
Loss of life and life-changing injuries continue to this day, causing great distress to families and communities. These losses have affected almost every fishing community over time and many local memorials exist to commemorate these sad events.
Royal Museums Greenwich is supporting the new National Fishing Remembrance Day with an interactive map of fishing memorials around the UK.
Meanwhile, The Fishermen’s Mission and Stella Maris will have a programme of local events at fishing ports and memorials around the country on the day itself.
More information will be available from The Seafarers’ Charity and fishingremembrance@theseafarerscharity.org
