MERCHANT Navy veterans and residents joined together to remember fallen seafarers in Harwich.

The Harwich branch of the Merchant Navy Association held its remembrance event at Harwich Quay on Sunday, September 3.

In particular, the memorial pays tribute to those lost during the First and Second World Wars and the Falklands War.

Rodney Gates, from the association, said: “This was for Merchant Navy - for all those who have died at sea.

"People stood there and watched it - the vicar said a lovely prayer.

"It went off really well.”

Representatives from the Merchant Navy, including relatives of late seafarers, were in attendance as well as members of the council, Harbour Board and RNLI.

The wreath laying took place on September 3, as is tradition.

Rodney said this was the date the first ship was sunk during the First World War.

Rodney added there are plans to commemorate members of other forces in the near future.

He said: “We’ll have another remembrance with all forces together on November 11 – we’ll do another memorial for that.”

Maria Fowler, mayor of Harwich, said: “On behalf of the council, it was an honour to remember the sacrifices of the Merchant Navy seafarers.”