The Šibenik Association of Sea Captains and Officers, the Croatian Seafarers’ Union and Lastavica Cruising, on the occasion of the feast of St. Nicholas, organized the laying of a wreath at sea for the thirty-first time this year in memory of the dead and missing seafarers.
The event was also graced with the presence of representatives of the Šibenik-Knin County, the City of Šibenik, the Šibenik-Knin County Tourist Board, the Šibenik City Tourist Board, representatives of the county and city port authorities, port authorities, as well as the Croatian Register of Shipping.
The ceremony was joined by numerous citizens, and in addition to representatives of the Šibenik Association of Sea Captains and Officers and the Croatian Seafarers’ Union, maritime agents and employees of the port authority also participated.
After the Holy Mass in the Church of St. Nicholas in Šibenik, the ships Lastavica, Excellence Nera, Dida Frane and Delta set sail from the Šibenik port, in a convoy with ships of the Šibenik Port Authority, the Šibenik Maritime Police, the Coast Guard and the boat JK Val. In the Šibenik Channel, between the islands of Zlarin and Zablaće, they laid wreaths into the sea with the blessing and prayer of the Bishop of Šibenik, Mons. Tomislav Rogić, and the parish priest of the Cathedral Parish of St. James in Šibenik, Don Krešimir Mateša.
“It is our duty to preserve the memory of our fellow sailors who are no longer with us, but who dedicated their lives to the sea. This year’s gathering shows that Šibenik still strongly lives this commendable tradition. I would like to thank everyone who supports this dignified act year after year,” said Branko Skorić, captain and president of the Association.
On behalf of the Croatian Seafarers’ Union, Milko Kronja thanked everyone and emphasized the importance of preserving this tradition and the memory of deceased and missing fellow seafarers.
Lastavica Cruising, together with other fellow shipowners, supports the laying of a wreath at sea every year on the occasion of the feast of St. Nicholas.
“We are honored to be part of this event, which holds a special place in the hearts of all people connected to the sea. Our ships are always available for such occasions, because we believe it is important to maintain tradition and pay tribute to our deceased colleagues who are woven into the history of Croatian maritime affairs,” said Igor Stančić, owner of Lastavica Cruising and member of the Association.
The feast of St. Nicholas is also celebrated as Sailors’ Day, because according to legend, St. Nicholas from Asia Minor performed miracles, calmed the waves, and thus became the patron saint of sailors, mariners, fishermen, and all who sail.
