Its 140 years since the Fishermens Mission or the Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen was formed and the first Mission ship put to sea. Our founder Ebenezer Mather, then Secretary of the Thames Church Mission Society, had become aware of the desperate plight of fishermen working on the Dogger Bank and deciding something had to be done, he managed to raise £1000 - a lot of money in those days - and purchased a ship called the Ensign.

The Ensign fished to help support her crew, but she also carried clothes, medical equipment, bibles, and other literature. Men were welcomed on board and given dry warm clothes, medical treatment, and spiritual care. Worship services were held each Sunday on the ship, sometimes going on for several hours.

The Missions founding was in the wake of two major fishing disasters that same year, the first being around our own shores in the Gloup Disaster on 21st July 1881 when 58 men perished in an unexpected summer storm. Barely three months later, on 14th October, a European windstorm struck the south-east of Scotland and 189 men were lost in the Eyemouth Disaster, and with two thirds of them belonging to the town itself, the day became known locally as Black Friday.

The work of the Mission quickly expanded and within 10 years there was a fleet of 11 ships plying most of the North Sea. They were always recognisable by the Mission mottoes painted on their bows - Preach the Word on one side and Heal the Sick on the other. In time fishing practices changed, the Mission became shore-based and in the twentieth century many large centres were built in the major UK ports serving fishermen and their communities for decades. Today we work from welfare offices, mini-centres and often completely remotely wherever we are best placed to respond to fishermen and their families, active and retired, in their time of need.

With modern vessels, vastly improved equipment, and accurate weather forecasting, disasters are thankfully rare. But they still happen! I remember that morning last February when I was awakened at 0430hrs to be told that there was a man overboard from one of our local vessels and I feared the worst. Sadly, my fears were realised, and I spent the next few days trying to bring help and support to the remaining crew, eventually procuring accommodation ashore to provide some much-needed respite for the weary men.

Situated in the UKs second largest landing port, smaller incidents at sea are relatively common and over the past year we have assisted on around 20 occasions when fishermen have come ashore following an accident, having taken unwell on their vessels, or perhaps urgently requiring dental/pharmaceutical assistance. Help given has included providing clothes and toiletries; arranging taxis, or providing transport; booking flights, ferries, and accommodation; trying to bring reassurance to the fishermen concerned as well as liaising with skippers and often families back home.

On 21st July I went to Gloup in Yell and participated along with two minister colleagues in a simple service of remembrance at the Memorial, attended by local people marking that poignant anniversary. It was also a great honour to be involved with Shetland Seafarers Association on Merchant Navy Day, 3rd September, with the dedication of their memorial at Hays Dock. This commemorates the many thousands of Shetlanders who have served in the Merchant Navy over the decades and honours those who never returned, not only during times of conflict but also because of accidents at sea.

Never far from bereavement, in the past twelve months I have stood with seventy families conducting funeral services frequently in the open-air, providing help and comfort and assisting them navigate the ever-evolving Covid regulations. Yes, eighteen months on, the implications of the virus still impact so much on each of our lives.

Please help support us, 140 years on, as we continue to bring Christian care and support to those who undertake a difficult and still dangerous occupation in these unpredictable and ever-changing times.

Thank you

Aubrey Jamieson,

Senior Superintendant - Shetland