Celebrating seafarers and recognising Merchant Navy sacrifices

Nautilus Bevis Minter Award recipient and third engineer Amilia Busby described her 'truly special day' representing the Merchant Navy as flag bearer at the Annual National Service for Seafarers at St Paul’s Cathedral.

In a social media post, she said: 'Standing in that beautiful space, surrounded by fellow seafarers, families, and supporters from across the maritime community, was both humbling and extremely uplifting. The service was a wonderful reminder of the deep bonds that connect all of us who go to sea and the sacrifices made by so many in service of others. It was lovely to see so many familiar faces that have continued to support me since being a seafarer.'

Nautilus was represented at the service by head of professional and technical David Appleton;  head of international relations Danny McGowan; and director of legal services Charles Boyle. Also attending in his capacity as a trustee of The Seafarers' Charity - was the Union's director of organising Martyn Gray.

The annual service, organised by The Seafarers’ Charity and Trinity House, is a tradition started in 1905 to ensure the contribution and sacrifice of seafarers continues to be remembered and celebrated.

This year the service also marked the 120th anniversary of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary – which The Seafarers' Charity explained in a social post to mark the occasion – is the largest single employer of merchant seafarers, and recruits civilian crews to support the Royal Navy across combat operations, disaster relief, counter-piracy missions, and evacuations worldwide.

The Charity's vice president, Bishop Sarah Mullally – the current Bishop of London and future Archbishop of Canterbury – gave the final blessing.