An annual tribute to the men and women who have lost their lives at sea was observed recently.

The Right Reverend Nicholas Dill, the Anglican Bishop of Bermuda presided over the Guild of the Holy Compassion's annual wreath-laying ceremony near the main shipping channel off St David’s.

Joining Bishop Dill on the pilot boat St David was his wife, Fiona, executives from the major shipping companies in Bermuda, pilot warden Mario Thompson and Keith Battersbee, a retired pilot warden.

With the cargo ship Bermuda Islander alongside, Bishop Dill led the ceremony asking: “The Lord to bless these wreaths that we cast upon the waters in remembrance of all who have gone down to the depths.”

Bishop Dill paid special tribute “to those who go down the sea in ships and who have paid the supreme sacrifice in the service of their families and nation”.

He also gave a special mention to the St George’s pilots from the pilot gig Ocean Queen who lost their lives in 1929 in the area where the ceremony took place.

Derek Tully, the secretary of the Guild of the Holy Compassion, thanked everyone for their attendance.

Steven Petty, president of Bermuda International Shipping, said: “One of the highlights of the maritime calendar in Bermuda is the Annual Seaman’s Remembrance Service and wreath laying off St David’s.

“It reminds us of the tremendous sacrifices and contributions of local and overseas mariners over the years.”

His sentiments were echoed by Mr Thompson, who added: “We honour those mariners who service these islands and especially those who lost their lives at sea. May their memories live on in our lives.”