Tributes paid to Cornish and Devon fishermen for first National Fishing Remembrance Day
Events are being hosted across the South West including in Newlyn, Looe and Brixham
People across our region will be remembering everyone who's lost their lives while working in the fishing industry.
The day marks the first National Fishing Remembrance Day across the UK with events across Newlyn, Looe and Brixham.
South East Cornwall's MP, Sheryll Murray, is remembering her late husband: "I would urge everybody to attend a remembrance service for themselves just to pay respect to those men who sacrificed the ultimate thing to bring fish to our table.
"I think it's really fitting to mark this throughout the nation. I'm not the only fisherman's widow that would support this but I did raise it with the Prime Minister because I think they've actually grasped something that's close to so many people's hearts."
Maritime charities, the Fishermen’s Mission, The Seafarers’ Charity and Stella Maris have joined forces to support a new annual National Fishing Remembrance Day for those who have lost their lives while fishing at sea.
Chief Executive, Marc Evans, said: "Warmly welcomed by members in Parliament on 24 April, 2024, the Fishermen’s Mission is proud to be a part of this event. From experience, we know how every loss affects families, friends, and whole communities. We know how this loss lingers from generation to generation. To finally have a national day that allows us to come together and remember so many fishermen who have lost their lives while bringing home the catch is momentous for everyone connected with fishing.
"You return to port without a colleague, without a friend. You unload the catch with the heaviest of hearts, thinking only of your crewmate who was taken by the sea. Your pal who didn’t come home. The trauma of loss runs deep through so many fishing communities. Passing years do not dull the pain. The need to remember is heartbreakingly real. It is an honour and a privilege to be leading these services’."
There's more details about the memorial day on the Fishermens Mission website.