The Annual National Service for Seafarers (ANSS) organised by The Seafarers’ Charity and Trinity House will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral on Wednesday 11 October 2023 at 17:00.
The Service for Seafarers has been held nearly every year since 1905 to unite seafarers from the Merchant and Royal Navies, as well as those from our fishing fleets, workboats, cruise liners, commercial shipping, yachts, ferries and indeed any person who makes, or has made, a living from working at sea.
The service is unique in bringing together seafarers from across the maritime professions with representatives of all sectors in the seafaring community, as above, but also includes maritime welfare charities, nautical schools, maritime youth groups and veterans’ associations who gather together in a service of remembrance and thanks.
The service also vitally commemorates those who have lost their lives in service in and outside of wars and conflicts.
Being open to all seafarers from all countries and faiths the purpose of the service is to recognise, celebrate and give thanks – our reliance on seafarers is all too often not seen, taken for granted or not fully appreciated. We also commemorate those seafarers who lost their lives in the Battle of the Atlantic, which marks its 80th Anniversary in 2023. The six-year battle for control of the Atlantic sea routes was the longest continuous campaign of the Second World War and critical to keeping Britain supplied with food, industrial supplies, men and munitions. At least 26,500 British Merchant Navy and 23,000 Royal Navy seafarers lost their lives in the Battle.
This year, the preacher will be The Right Honourable and Right Reverend Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, Bishop of London. Music will be performed by The Royal Marine Band along with the combined choirs of London Nautical School, The Royal School, The Royal Hospital School and Pangbourne College.
The service is free to attend and open to all who have, or currently do, work at sea and those who support from ashore.
