Time for reflection at National Fishermen's Remembrance Day on May 11 in Wick
There will be a special service on May 11 at 1pm in Wick for the second National Fishermen's Remembrance Day, offering people the chance to reflect on the history of fishing within Caithness over the last 170 years.
Jackie Dodds, the Fishermen’s Mission (FM) charity area officer for Caithness and Orkney, said the special day of remembrance will provide a “place and time for reflection” on the sacrifice of those who have lost their lives to the sea.
Jackie added: “It is a privilege to be able to bring folk together to reflect on those we have lost to the sea.
“Caithness has a strong connection with fishermen and the fishing industry, and as a community, we know all too well how dangerous the industry can be.
“This will be an opportunity to acknowledge that not every fisherman comes home and will shine a light on the resilience needed within Caithness to forge a career at sea, both from the fishermen themselves and also from their families who must wait anxiously for the return of their husbands and fathers.”
Willie Watt is chairman of the Seafarers Memorial Group, which raised more than £100,000 for a sculpture commemorating lost seafarers that overlooks Wick harbour.
Mr Watt has been a great supporter of the Fishermen's Mission and will be present at the event in Wick on May 11 at 1pm which will take place at the seafarer’s memorial on Braehead.
Marc Evans, FM chief executive, said: “There is a strong partnership between the charities and agencies that support fishing and, once again, we have all come together to conduct this important day of remembrance for the families and communities who have lost a loved one while working at sea.
“We are pleased that this year there will be an even greater spread of services around the UK coastline. By working closely together, we hope to reach out to those families to assure them that their loss has not been forgotten and to offer them an opportunity for reflection.
“For our fishing communities, it is important that the dangers of fishing are recognised alongside the risks that are inherent in bringing in the catch. As an island nation, fishing is an important part of our history and culture, which we both celebrate and commemorate.”
FM is the only national charity that works solely to support both active and former fishermen and their dependents.
