This year’s National Fishing Remembrance Day is on Sunday 10 May. Once again, this will be a day for us to come together, at quayside services, in churches or in our homes to say a prayer and remember those fishermen who did not come home.
Tragedy on the Scottish Coast
Just days before Christmas 2025, a fishing boat from Arbroath was washed ashore at Inverbervie on Scotland’s east coast.
There was nobody on board, yet the engine was still running.
Despite an extensive search involving lifeboats and Coastguard helicopters, the boat’s sole crew member – a young fisherman – remains missing.
A rescue in treacherous conditions
Only days later, in early January 2026, another tragedy unfolded.
The FV Fortitude was fishing 14 miles off Newbiggin, Northumberland, in extremely difficult conditions. As heavy seas battered the vessel, two crew members were swept overboard.
The Humber Coastguard received a Mayday call, and a major rescue operation began.
Two nearby fishing vessels also picked up the distress call and battled force nine gales to reach the scene. They were able to recover both casualties, but sadly, one fisherman had died.
The impact on fishing communities
Loss of life at sea takes its toll on local fishing communities.
Our staff are often amongst the first people at a scene following incidents, accidents, and tragedies at sea. We feel the loss of family members and friends keenly and see the pain etched on every crew member’s face.
Though they may appear to be stoically carrying on with life, we know that things are never quite the same again, never as they once were. There is an irreplaceable missing piece, and that hurts.
That is why we remember. That is why we never forget. That is why the lost and those who love them are always in our hearts.
