International Day of the Seafarer 2021

25 June has been marked as International Day of the Seafarer by the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) since 2011. Its purpose is to pay respect to seafarers and sailors who are essential to global trade which depends on ocean transport. This week's image from the collection is of the building at 2 Gladstone Quay, which was the Museum’s home for thirty years, from 1980 until it was demolished post-earthquakes in 2011. Prior to its use by the Lyttelton Museum, it was the Merchant Navy Centre. From the very early days of settlement as the gateway to Canterbury and the primary South Island port, Lyttelton has had a focus on the welfare of seafarers.

The current Lyttelton Seafarers Centre is housed at 18 Norwich Quay. The work of Reverend John McLister, Glen Estrarda. and their colleagues, focuses on supporting the welfare of seafarers passing through the port of Lyttelton. The last year of Covid pandemic has been a time of crisis for seafarers internationally, with borders closed and no shore leave permitted. John and his colleagues visit each ship that docks in Lyttelton and have enabled portable WIFI on board in order that the workers can contact family and friends. They have also shopped to fulfill the personal needs of the seafarers for items that are not provided by the shipping companies. They have been a lifeline of practical and humane support for those trapped by circumstance.

The Merchant Navy centre which would eventually become the Lyttelton Museum, circa 1950Te Ūaka The Lyttelton Museum ref 12214.1 https://www.teuaka.org.nz/onli...