UK Flies Flag for Merchant Navy Day

Instigated in 2000, Merchant Navy Day provides an opportunity to honour those merchant seafarers who have in many cases given their lives to the industry, as well as the chance to celebrate success and look ahead to the future of British shipping.

Shipping Minister Mike Penning said:

"This country has a rich and proud maritime heritage covering many centuries and I am confident this will continue long into the future.

"It is often forgotten that over 20,000 merchant seafarers lost their lives in the Second World War alone, doing a job that was crucial to the war effort. On Merchant Navy Day we remember them, and the other men and women of the Merchant Navy who have lost their lives over the years.

"Shipping is every bit as important to the UK today - with the vast majority of goods arriving in our country by sea. The twenty-first century has so far been marked by a revival in the fortunes of British shipping, which I am determined to see continue. More young people are being attracted to a career at sea, and more ships are flying the Red Ensign. Our shipping register has a reputation for high standards, which we have every intention of maintaining. So we salute British ships and seafarers, and look with optimism to the future prosperity of the UK maritime sector."

Source: 7th Space Interactive