Posted on: 12 July 2020
International seafarer welfare charity The Mission to Seafarers has held its annual Sea Sunday celebrations online, connecting seafarers around the world during this global crisis.
The service was scheduled to conclude the Seafarers Awareness Week, held from 6th July to Sea Sunday on 12th July, taking place via the Mission’s Youtube channel and website, offering an opportunity to focus on the world’s seafarers and let them know that they are celebrated and valued. The Revd Canon Andrew Wright, Secretary General of the Mission was joined by some very special guests, as well as chaplains and seafarers from across the globe. The service also included a message from the charity’s President, HRH The Princess Royal.
Sea Sunday has been a long-term fixture on The Mission to Seafarers’ calendar, but the event this year carries even greater poignancy. Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, seafarers have selflessly continued to keep the global economy turning – ensuring that essential cargoes of food, medicine and other supplies reach us.
It is widely recognised that life at sea is challenging and unpredictable, but the last couple of months have magnified the challenges faced by seafarers. With welfare services scaled back in line with social distancing regulations, feelings of loneliness and isolation have also been exacerbated.
The Revd Canon Andrew Wright, Secretary General, The Mission to Seafarers, said: “This Sea Sunday is special. We are enabling all seafarers, and those connected to the community, to come together as an extended Mission to Seafarers’ family. From London to Lagos and Manila to Melbourne, we believe there is power when we come together as a global community. We are united in gratitude, especially in recognition of the heroic work of seafarers, and in hope for the future.
“Throughout this challenging time, our chaplains and port centres across the world have been adapting their usual activities to safely meet the needs of seafarers. Connecting this Sea Sunday to everyone around the globe provides a great opportunity to thank so many for their dedicated service alongside seafarers.
“We are extremely honoured to share a message from our President, HRH The Princess Royal, with our other distinguished guests, as we celebrate our international key workers. Together we can show these men and women that we appreciate them and recognise the sacrifices they are making during this global crisis.”
The service featured Lloyd’s Choir and Hadrian Primary School Choir from South Shields, both of which had previously performed at celebrations hosted by the Mission. South Shields is one of the most historic UK shipping centres, with a deep heritage in seafaring.
The service is available to watch via the Mission’s Youtube channel here.
