Nova Scotians who make a living at sea will be remembered Sunday, Aug. 11, as the province observes Mariner’s Day and Seaman’s Memorial Day.
A sunset ceremony will take place at the Fishermen’s Monument, MacCormack’s Beach Provincial Park, 1641 Shore Rd.
, Eastern Passage, with refreshments at Fisherman’s Cove after the event.
“Mariner’s Day pays tribute to all men and women who contributed so much to the economic prosperity of this province and who lost their lives in the process,” said Sterling Belliveau, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. “It also provides an opportunity to promote safety practices within the fishing industry.”
Families can encourage safety by asking loved ones to take greater precautions while at sea, ensuring a crew will return home without suffering an injury or worse.
The province is working with agencies and associations to promote safety within the fishing industry and to help prevent future fatalities.
“On Mariner’s Day, the Fisheries Safety Association of Nova Scotia recognizes the history of the fishing industry and its contribution to our wonderful province,” said Stewart Franck, executive director of the association. “With the strong tradition of fish harvesting also comes a saga of loss and tragedy off our coast.
“We are hopeful that Mariner’s Day will prompt every person associated with the Nova Scotia fishing industry to strengthen their commitment to safety at work and at sea.”
A ball tournament is also planned in the Municipality of Barrington in memory of Katlin Nickerson, captain of the ill-fated Miss Ally. The tournament, which starts on Friday and wraps up on Mariner’s Day, has 18 teams registered. Funds raised will support the Katlin Nickerson Memorial Bursary.
In April, the Mariner’s Day Act was passed to observe the second Sunday in August as Mariner’s Day.
Some communities, such as Canso, will continue to observe Seaman’s Memorial Day. The Canso ceremony, hosted by the Canso Lions Club, will begin at 2 p.m. at the Seaman’s Memorial.
Source: Release