Big remembrance blast on the water

Friday 27 June 2014

Mariners are being asked to help commemorate the start of WW1 tomorrow by flying flags and blasting their horns.

The Ports of Jersey wants all vessels in and around the Island’s coast to fly their ship’s Ensigns and Jacks at half-mast between sunrise and sunset tomorrow to remember the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand in Sarajevo – which triggered the Great War.

They also want all those moored in the Island’s marinas and harbours to join in and blast their horns for 15 seconds at 6 pm – to signify the exact hour the first shot was fired in the conflict.

All nations have been invited by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to help commemorate the event.

Jersey’s Harbour Master Barry Goldman CBE said: “Jersey knows all too well the effects of war and coupled with our maritime history and dependence on the sea, it seems a small but appropriate gesture to make on the part of local mariners to commemorate such a significant event in our time.

“I would encourage all masters of ships and boat owners to participate on Saturday evening, whether they use their vessels for commercial or leisure purposes. Any vessel berthed in any of the marinas or outlying harbours are also encouraged to take part as they don’t have to be out at sea at the time.”

The sounding of the sirens, which should be one long blast and not lots of short ones, is being co-ordinated by St Helier Vessel Traffic Service on VHF Channel 14 and by Jersey Coastguard on VHF Channel 82.