'We honour their bravery': Service to remember fallen Royal Navy and civilian seafarers in Portsmouth

An emotional memorial service honouring Royal Navy and civilian seafarers who lost their lives is set to be held in Portsmouth.

The annual commemoration will be taking place at Portsmouth Cathedral on June 28. Led by the Dean of Portsmouth, the Very Reverend Dr Anthony Cane, the service will start at 11am.

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Various dignitaries will be in attendance including The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Cllr Abdul Kadir, as well as the Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson, and the mayors of Gosport, Havant and Fareham. Representatives from the Royal Navy will stand alongside them, alongside those from community, military and charitable organisations.

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. He 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."

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. A collection will be taken from the Seafarers’ Charity.