A service in memory of the fishermen who lost their lives at sea was held at Milford Haven cemetery last week.

The tribute, organised by the Milford Haven Town Council, commemorated the crew members who perished aboard the Milford Viscount, the Richard Crofts, the Robert Limbrick and the Boston Heron vessels in the 1950s and 1960s.

Port chaplain Steve Traynar, who led the service, said that this year’s memorial was even more poignant because it marked the 60th anniversary of the funeral of the eight fishermen who died on the Richard Crofts.

Milford Haven Mayor Cllr Guy Woodham said: “I would like to say how wonderful it is to see so many people here, and to see a growing interest from people, because the fishing industry is what Milford Haven is built on.

“It is moving to see so many people supporting the brave men who gave their lives in this industry. We mustn’t forget how difficult the jobs were for these men who had to go out to sea in terrible conditions.

“These men made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives to feed their families. I hope that, as we mark the 60th anniversary, in another 60 years people will still be coming here from Milford Haven and remembering those who made that ultimate sacrifice.”

After a reading and prayers, the gathered crowd sang Eternal Father, before the mayor lay wreaths at the fishermen’s graves.

Cllr William Elliott said: “Being a town very much of a fishing industry background, we must all take a moment out of our lives and remember those that go out to sea every day, and in this case, give up their lives so that we can continue as a town and a port.”

Cllr Graham Warlow added: “A lot of family members of the missing fishermen still come down here to remember their loved ones, and it’s important that we turn out as a town and commemorate the fishermen's lives.”

Mr Traynar said that a few graves from the Boston Heron, which grounded in December 1962, have been found in the cemetery.

He added: “Keep all seafarers and fishermen in your minds, because our port depends on them and we all depend on them.”