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Tasmanian Seafarers' Memorial
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For those who grieve such a loss - we care." Don Paton
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Unique Memorial for those lost at sea.
The Tasmanian Seafarers' Memorial at Triabunna, Tasmania is unique in that it is a memorial to all Tasmanian seafarers who lost their lives at sea including Tasmanian members of the armed services, and those seafarers who, regardless of occupation or nationality, lost their lives in Tasmanian waters.
It also enables the commemoration of the lives of Tasmanian Naval personnel lost during peace time service as well as during times of conflict.
Tasmania's maritime history has been an eventful one which has tragically left many families touched in some by the relentless power of the sea.
The unpredictable seas around Tasmania's coastlines have claimed vessels from the days of sail to modern craft of today; they have claimed the lives of whalers and sealers, convicts and free settlers, traders and fishermen, sailors, seaman and yachtsmen of all ages and nations.
The Memorial was officially unveiled on Sunday, 26 October 1997. The Mayor of Glamorgan Spring Bay Council, Cr E. A. (Bill) Bailey led the ceremony with speakers included Senator Eric Abetz and the Hon. Denise Swan MHA, Minister For Local Government and Community Development representing the Australian and Tasmanian governments, respectively, both governments having contributing funds towards the construction of the memorial. Other construction funds were contributed by the council and various individual contributors.
In 1997, Don Paton, President of the Tasmanian Amateur Sea Fishermen's Association prepared the words of Dedication for the Memorial. He wrote, in part
"This Memorial - will serve as a place for us, the family and friends, of those lost at sea, to record their names. It will also serve as a reminder to us all that we share the memory of those who were lost. It will stand as a testament that we all do care to remember them." The Dedication is at the top of this page.Have you a relative or know someone who should be remembered by having a plaque of the Memorial? Would you like to initiate the placement of a memorial plaque? If so, contact the committee to discuss the possibilities and the modest cost involved.
Invitation to attend the 30th annual Seafarers' Memorial Service
The next annual memorial service will be held at Triabunna on Sunday, 17th October 2027 commencing at 11.00 am. More details will be provided closer to the date of the Service.
Her Excellency the Hon. Caroline Wells Governor of Tasmania delivering the 2026 keynote address.
Community members gather prior to the 2026 Memorial Service.The Memorial
- provides a location to place plaques in tribute of loved ones lost at sea;
- provides a place to focus grief for lost seafarers whose bodies were never found or whose remains were buried at sea;
- it increases water safety awareness; and
- has become a source of Tasmanian maritime history.
Separate from the Seafarer's Memorial but located in the immediate area is the Spring Bay Professional Fishermen's Memorial for local fishermen who have died, but not necessarily at sea.
The Tasmanian Seafarer's Memorial records the loss on 132 plaques of 1593 souls and on the Spring Bay Professional Fishermen's memorial there are 13 remembrance plaques.