‘Those who lost a loved one at sea have no grave or earthly place to grieve’ – Lost Fishermen Service returns to Grimsby Minster

As far back as 1957 Grimsby has held an annual Lost Fishermen of Grimsby Service.

Through the pandemic and the loss of HM Queen Elizabeth, the service continued to be held - online and then as a small service at St Martin’s, Nunsthorpe. The organisers have offered grateful thanks to those hosting the service over recent times to ensure its continuity.

For 2024, however, it is able to return to Grimsby Minster. The service will be led by the Rev Canon Peter Mullins and Fishermen’s Mission Port Officer Suesan Brown.

READ MORE:

• ‘For a lot of older people, what they miss is going to the pub’ – Cleethorpes care home creates its own social club for residents

• Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from Grimsby with our free newsletter

The service will take place at the Lost Fishermen Memorial, St James’ Square, Grimsby, at 2pm on Sunday, September 1. Among others, present will be the Mayor of North East Lincolnshire Cllr Steve Beasant; Nautilus; the Sailors’ Children’s Society; the MP for Grimsby and Cleethorpes Melanie Onn and representative of the Merchant Navy Association.

Suesan Brown said: “From experience, we know how every loss affects families, friends, and whole communities. We know how this loss lingers from generation to generation.

“The annual service and Fishermen’s Memorial is a space to come for peace. Those who lost a loved one at sea have no grave or earthly place to grieve and of those who did make it home, many chose to be returned to the sea, their place in life when their one on Earth is ended.

“The memorial and service is, to their families, a time and a place for remembering, grieving, a place to lay a wreath and hopefully to eventually find peace. Fishing was in Grimsby’s heyday and continues to be the most dangerous peacetime occupation.

“Fishermen continue to lose their lives even from the few ships that still work out of Grimsby’s fishing quay.” After the service there will be a laying of wreaths at the Fishermen’s Memorial when the Rev Pat Barlow of St Martin’s will perform the Act of Commemoration.

Everyone is welcome to join this service to remember all the fishermen of Lincolnshire who have lost their lives at sea.