A ceremony has been held on Rupert's Jetty in St Helena against the backdrop of MV Helena in port to mark the Day of the Seafarer.
The Captain and crew observed the ceremony from the decks on-board the MV Helena and were able to join in via communication through VHF radio.
Maritime Compliance Policy Officer, Mia Henry said it was good timing to have the MV Helena in Port on this particular day so the islanders could express their thanks and gratitude. She said it was also fitting to include the Captain and crew via the very conventional means of communication from ship-to-shore.
Governor Dr Philip Rushbrook said that it was important to show gratitude to seafarers
He said “This is the most fitting place, with the MV Helena alongside, to pay a tribute on behalf of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha to all seafarers. We perhaps take for granted the low profile, trusted reliability and massive capabilities of the ships and crews of vessels that 24 hours a day, seven days a week transport cargo around the world. Therefore, it is on special days such as today, the Day of the Seafarer, we take this opportunity to say to the Captain and crew of the MV Helena that we acknowledge every one of you as our very own frontline key workers.”
This was proceeded by a minute of clapping for the Captain and crew. The ceremony concluded with a blessing from Father Jack Horner.
