National Fishing Remembrance Day

National Fishing Remembrance Day is a day for reflection and commemoration of all those who have lost their lives while working in fishing in the UK.

It is an opportunity to raise awareness of the dangers of fishing as a profession to a wider audience and to remember those who have lost their lives at sea. For those living and working in local fishing communities it is hoped that this will become an annual focal point for remembrance and connection with the national fishing industry. This period of remembrance will also provide an opportunity to focus on initiatives aimed at improving safety in commercial fishing.

Statistically fishing is one of the most dangerous professions in the UK with 11,000 people working on fishing vessels in a harsh and unpredictable environment to bring ashore much needed seafood.

Many fishing harbours have suffered tragedies and this National Fishing Remembrance Day will recognise and honour the loss of life. It is important to manage those same risks today. Safety management systems and improvements to working practices are key to keeping people safe and families and communities together.

'Our fishermen not only help to feed the nation, but are at the heart of communities around our coastline. National Fishing Remembrance Day will give loved ones, coastal communities and the wider public a chance to commemorate the lives lost at sea and pay tribute to their valuable service.

The bravery of fishermen and the hard labour they endure day to day must not go unrecognised, and while we take this moment to pause and remember those who have been lost, it’s important that we continue to work to improve the safety of those working at sea so fewer families have to go through such distress in the future.'

Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer

Join In & Get Involved

Find your nearest fishing memorial

Royal Museums Greenwich is supporting the new National Remembrance Day with an interactive map of fishing memorials around the UK.  You can search for the nearest fishing memorial to you here.

Local remembrance events

Maritime welfare charities have joined together to commemorate this day throughout the UK. The Fishermen’s Mission and Stella Maris will have a programme of local events at fishing ports and memorials around the country on Sunday 12 May 2024. More details will be made available for remembrance services in the following areas:

England:

Brixham
Fleetwood
Grimsby
Hull
Lowestoft
Newhaven
Newlyn
North Shields
Portsmouth
Whitby

Wales:

Milford Haven

Scotland:

Aberdeen
Eyemouth
Fraserburgh
Mallaig
Orkney
Peterhead
Stornoway
Troon

Northern Ireland:

Kilkeel

Pay Your Respects

If there is no remembrance day event at your local fishing memorial you may be interested in our Remembrance Pack to pay your respects in your own way. You can download copies of the Prayer and Hymn (Eternal Father) here.

Prayer

Almighty and Everlasting God, we acknowledge that -
By your power, were the heavens and the earth established,
and the bounds of the seas set in their place.
At your command, were all the creatures of the deep brought
into being in their numerous varieties.
And in your wisdom, are we sustained and renewed
by the harvest that come from labours of those who go out to sea in their vessels.

Lord God, we give you thanks, for the work of all the charities who serve our fishermen and their families, today and for the past years. Reminding ourselves on this Remembrance Day of all who have served this nation in the fishing industry, and to keep alive the memories of all those whose lives have been given in its service to our communities.

Lord Jesus Christ, it is you who first appeared to the men by the shores of Galilee to
provide the miraculous catch, calling them each by name to commit their lives
to the care of all people.

We thank you, for all who continue in their love of families, communities, and the nation, that same care through personal sacrifice.

We pray for the families who grieve the loss of loved ones -
those who did not return safely to them, and especially for those for whom such loss is recent.

Spirit of Comfort, bring peace and healing to broken lives and hopes, and so comfort those who now live with the pain of past years. And remind us again, O Lord, of your love and care –
this day, and for years to come.

We now offer these prayers, in the name of Christ Jesus our Redeemer and Lord.

Amen.

The Fisherman’s Prayer, based on Psalm 23

The Lord is my pilot, I shall not drift,
He lighteth me across the dark waters,
He keepeth my log.
He guideth me by the star of holiness for His Name’s sake.
Yea, though I sail ‘mid the thunders and tempests of life,
I shall dread no danger, for Thou are near me.
Thy love and Thy care, they shelter me.
Thou preparest a harbour for me in the homeland of eternity.
Thou anointest the waves with oil; my ship rideth calmly.
Surely, sunlight and starlight shall favour me on the voyage I take,
and I will rest in the port of my God forever.

Amen.