International seafarers' charity, the Sailors' Society has launched its 'Sea of Remembrance' campaign for Merchant Navy Day on 7 September.

The thought-provoking campaign attracted over 800 flag-bearing messages and donations last year. Red Ensign flags were planted at Trinity Gardens in London, in memory of lost loved ones and those currently at sea. Each of the flags displayed special messages from family members, friends and appreciative supporters.

The 2008 appeal focuses on the sacrifices made for those left behind and the story of August Wallenhaupt, a merchant sailor who served on US Flagship SS Puerto Rican in the Second World War. Wallenhaupt was the only survivor when the ship was torpedoed off Murmansk, north-west Russia, and clung to the frozen body of his dead colleague to survive. He was found three days after the ship sunk and survived in freezing conditions and storms, with friends dying around him.

The 'Sea of Remembrance' is a heart-warming opportunity for supporters to remember the sacrifices made by seafarers, in history, as well as the present day, who spend many months at sea away from family and loved ones.

Jan Webber, Director of Fundraising and Marketing for the Sailors' Society, explained: "The 2007 Sea of Remembrance campaign was incredibly well supported and some of the messages displayed were very heart felt and moving. We are hoping this year's campaign will be bigger and better than ever.

"Seafarers have and continue to make incredible sacrifices. These days, 95 per cent of goods brought into the UK come in by sea with many seafarers spending months at a time away from their families, often not speaking the same language as their crew members or practising the same faith."

Sailors' Society provides support through its port chaplains, who are based in over 100 ports around the world. They provide practical assistance, including telephone or internet services to seafarers, and also offer spiritual support.

Webber added: "Our iconic Red Ensign flags have already been distributed to regular supporters of the Sailors' Society, but we encourage many others to get involved to make this one of our most successful campaigns. We feel it's a great opportunity for people to show their appreciation."


On the web: www.sailors-society.org