Thirteen seafarers from Vanuatu’s maritime sector joined the Anglican Church of Tagabe in Port Vila last Sunday, July 7, to commemorate Sea Sunday — a global day of reflection and recognition for those working at sea.

Sea Sunday is observed annually on the second Sunday of July across more than 200 ports in 50 countries. It is a time when communities come together to honour the critical work, hardships, and sacrifices of maritime workers serving beyond the shoreline.

The Tagabe congregation began the service with hymns, followed by a sermon on The Good Samaritan delivered by Fr. Timothy Vora. He used the message to highlight the emotional and physical challenges that seafarers endure.

“Many times at sea, they face isolation and danger. They spend long months away from their families and support systems. When they need help, it’s hard because they are far from land,” Fr. Vora said.

A one-minute silence was observed during the service in memory of seafarers who have lost their lives at sea or onshore while on duty.

During the official ceremony, hosted by the Vanuatu Mission to Seafarers, Deputy Commissioner of the Vanuatu Maritime & Safety Authority (VMSA), Lloyd Fikiasi, acknowledged the essential role seafarers play in maintaining the country’s economic lifeline.

“Without seafarers, we wouldn’t have ships to operate. We wouldn’t receive the goods we enjoy today. The economy would slow down or collapse. Even during COVID, when borders were closed and ports were locked, it was the seafarers who stayed on board and delivered essential supplies to the country.”

Mary Navaika, Vice President of the Vanuatu Women in Maritime Association, also used the occasion to affirm the contributions of women in the sector.

“The women here today are not here to compete with men, but to support the work that’s already been done. Just like mothers paddling canoes to take children to school or to the garden — the resilience was already there.”

Chaplain of the Vanuatu Mission to Seafarers, Fr. William Bice, asured the public that welfare and mental health support for maritime workers is a national priority.

“Seafarers often spend up to a year at sea. They lose time with their families and face many hardships. It’s important that we go to them, speak with them, and ensure they are supported.”

The Sea Sunday celebration concluded with traditional performances and dances by the Tagabe community — a tribute to the resilience, dedication, and sacrifices of seafarers and their families across Vanuatu.