Grimsby’s lost fishermen to be remembered at Ross Tiger service

Grimsby’s lost fishermen to be remembered at Ross Tiger service

Grimsby’s lost fishermen will be remembered at a memorial service alongside the iconic Ross Tiger, North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) has announced.

On Sunday 28 November, a 20-minute memorial service will be held by the Fishermen’s Mission.

The service for Grimsby’s lost fishermen is typically held inside Grimsby Minster each year, but for 2021, it will be held outside of the Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Guests will gather outside to pay their respects to those who sadly lost their lives in what the Fishermen’s Mission calls “the most dangerous peacetime occupation in the UK”.

Grimsby’s Port Missioner, Superintendent Suesan Brown, told NELC: “Following the online service with Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre last year, we are grateful to continue our partnership working to hold a second service with COVID-19 safety precautions in mind.

“We are inviting members of the public to join us in fellowship to honour the memory of those who paid the ultimate price to feed our nation, as well as ensuring the ongoing support of their families.”

The Chair of Friends of Grimsby’s Fishermen’s Mission, Gill Ross, added: “It is important that we ensure that we never forget those that were lost.

“The past 18 months has been very difficult for the fishing community.

“We would like these families to know that they are certainly not forgotten”.

Councillor Callum Procter, portfolio holder for economic growth, housing and tourism, told NELC: “Fishing is an integral part of Grimsby, so it’s important we remember our fishermen and honour them with this annual event – and what better place to hold such a special occasion than outside the iconic and historic Ross Tiger?”

David Ornsby, acting operations manager for Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre, added: “We’re pleased to be able to continue our close relationship with the Fishermen’s Mission and the fishing community of Grimsby.

“Ross Tiger means so much to local people and will provide a very poignant temporary location for this special service, until the indoor service at Grimsby Minster can resume.”

The service will begin at 11:00am alongside the Ross Tiger at Alexandra Dock.

Guests can place flowers at the Lost Fishermen’s Memorial at St James Square or leave them with the Fishermen’s Mission to be placed there once the service has ended.

(Photo: NELC)