The annual service to honour seafarers lost at sea and to recognise those who live and work at sea will take place at Portsmouth Cathedral on Sunday 28 June.
The service will start at 11am and be led by the Dean of Portsmouth, the Very Reverend Dr Anthony Cane. The preacher at the service will be Chaplain of the Fleet, Revd Dr Mark Davidson KHC Royal Navy.
The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Cllr Abdul Kadir, will be joined by the Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson, and the mayors of Gosport, Havant and Fareham.
Just before the service, Lord Mayor Cllr Kadir will lead a short civic procession along St Thomas’s Street to the cathedral in Old Portsmouth. Following the service, the same procession will take attendees to the statue of Admiral Lord Nelson, in Grand Parade, where the Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire will lead the laying of wreaths at the memorial. Cllr Kadir will then commit a wreath to the sea to commemorate all those whose lives have been lost at sea.
Lord Mayor Cllr Kadir said:
“Portsmouth is a city shaped by the sea, and this annual service is an important moment to pause and remember all those who have lost their lives at sea. We honour their bravery and sacrifice, and stand in solidarity with the families and communities who continue to feel their loss. We also acknowledge the ongoing commitment and service of those who live and work at sea today.”
Representatives will also be attending from the Royal Navy, as well as community, military and charitable organisations. A collection will be taken for the Seafarers’ Charity.