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.

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 modest cost involved.

Invitation to attend the 28th annual Memorial Service

The annual memorial service was held at Triabunna on Sunday, 19th October 2025 commencing at 11.00 am. Her Excellency, the Hon. Barbara Baker AC, Governor of Tasmania delivered the address at the service that was held in the Triabunna Community Hall rather than at the actual memorial due to gale force winds. Following the service wreaths were placed at the memorial by Her Excellency and others representing various organisations.

The 2025 Invitation can be downloaded here.

The 29th annual Service will likely be held on Sunday, 18th October 2026.

Two more plaques were unveiled at the 2024 Memorial Service. They were in memory of Peter Devereaux (2023) and the brigantine Creole (1863). Fortunately, there were no new plaques needed to be unveiled in 2025.

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.

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