First National Fishing Remembrance Day Announced

'In both World Wars, fishers were recruited into the Merchant and Royal Navies, and many lost their lives helping with mine sweeping and in service. During peace time, a high price has often been paid to provide food for the nation, most notably in 1968 when three trawlers from Hull’s arctic fishing fleet were sunk in one month with the tragic loss of 58 lives. This event led to the introduction of significant new safety standards on all fishing vessels. 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. This is why The Seafarers’ Charity is committed to improving fishing safety for all. On 12th May, I will be reflecting on all the lives lost while fishing at sea and urge everyone who is living and working in fishing communities across the UK to support the National Fishing Remembrance Day.'

'The Fishermen’s Mission is proud to be part of this event. For many, many years, in ports around the whole coastline of the UK, we have been holding both 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. From experience, we know how deeply each and every loss affects families, friends and whole communities. We also know how this loss lingers from generation to generation. The Fishermen’s Mission, along with others, has too often been the bearer of the very worst news to families. We continue to support those in their time of need, and we are pleased to join our maritime charity partners in this event.'

'Stella Maris is pleased to be part of this special event to commemorate and pay tribute to fishers who have lost their lives at sea. Fishers work in dangerous conditions and for long hours so that society can enjoy and savour their catch in homes and restaurants; their labours are not always fully appreciated; it’s only right that a special day has been set aside to remember those lost at sea doing this important work. Stella Maris has a long history of providing spiritual, pastoral and practical support to fishers and their families in the UK and worldwide. Fishers and their dependents know that they can turn to our chaplains and ship visitors for support in times of need, emergency and bereavement.'