Events

National Fishing Remembrance Day 2025: always remembered, always in our hearts

Bright spring sunshine fell across quayside fishing memorials as flowers were laid or floated away on the tide. In fishing churches, choirs sang, prayers were said, and bagpipes played their lament as the names of the lost were remembered.

This was the scene in 34 ports around the UK coastline for the second National Fishing Remembrance Day, held on Sunday 11 May 2025 and fast becoming a national tradition.

From Lerwick in Shetland to Newlyn in Cornwall, families and friends came together for reflection and commemoration. Local fishing communities and the wider fishing industry paid tribute to those who we lost while they were working to bring home the catch.

A shared commitment

National Fishing Remembrance Day is an event hosted by us here at the Fishermen’s Mission, The Seafarers’ Charity, Stella Maris, Seafish, and the Maritime Coastguard Agency.

Our Chief Executive, Marc Evans, is proud of our partnership:

“There is a strong partnership between the charities and agencies that support fishing, and once again we have come together to conduct this important day of remembrance for the families and communities who have lost their loved one whilst working at sea.”

Heritage and heart in Peterhead

In Scotland, our Peterhead Service attracted a large crowd, including Karen Adam, the Member of Scottish Parliament for Banffshire and Buchan Coast.

Karen was among those who spoke at the memorial service there:

“Fishing is more than an industry here, it’s our heritage, our lifeblood and our identity. Behind every boat is a family, a community, and generations of skill, bravery and sacrifice. As we gather to remember, we stand in solidarity with all those who have felt the pain of loss, and we give thanks to those who risk everything to feed the nation.”

Voices from the day

Attendees from across the UK shared their reflections on the day.

“The Service was very moving, especially being outside on the pier where you could throw a rose in the water in memory of your loved one,” said an attendee from Shetland. “I felt it showed recognition and respect for the dangerous job of our fishermen.”

From another person:

“The remembrance service for lost fishermen was a poignant reminder of the danger faced by fishermen every day as they work to provide food for the country.”

And finally:

“The event was a wonderful tribute to our fishermen, and it’s great to think this will be an annual event. Your organisation is a real credit to fishermen throughout the UK, and given faith is at its heart, makes it even more special.”

A mission of remembrance and care

National Fishing Remembrance Day may be one day, but our support for grieving families continues all year round.

Throughout our 144-year history, we have shared in the highs and lows of our fishing communities, celebrating both the good and the tragic days.

Every fisherman lost is always remembered, and always in our hearts.