St Agnes Head watchkeepers carry their flag into St Paul’s

Most days, the watchkeepers at St Agnes Head spend their shift scanning the north Cornish coast from a clifftop lookout. On Wednesday (14 October), two of them traded that view for the black and white marble floor of St Paul’s Cathedral in London.

Caroline Pitura and Mike Childs went to represent the National Coastwatch Institution at the Annual Service for Seafarers. It capped a busy few days for the station, coming the day after a visit from Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal on Tuesday (13 October).

📷Watchkeeper Caroline Pitura with the National Coastwatch Institution standard at St Paul's Cathedral. Credit: NCI St Agnes Head

Why St Agnes Head was chosen

The St Agnes Head coastwatch station was picked as the NCI’s representative because of an award it won earlier this year. In May, the station received the Alan Richards Award for 2026, which recognises outstanding contribution, leadership, teamwork and dedication across the organisation.

The citation pointed to two years of work raising funds and completely renovating the station, which ended with its rededication ceremony in May 2025.

“We were deeply honoured to receive it on behalf of our entire station team,” the station said, crediting the commitment, hard work and community spirit of its watchkeepers, supporters, partners and volunteers.

📷Watchkeeper Mike Childs with the National Coastwatch Institution standard at St Paul's Cathedral. Credit: NCI St Agnes Head

A service that has run since 1905

The Annual Service for Seafarers was first held in 1905 and has taken place every year since. It exists to recognise and give thanks for the work of seafarers, whose contribution often goes unnoticed, and as a reminder of how much it still matters.

Many of those who attend have served at sea themselves, often in dangerous conditions. Others come to honour loved ones who died in service. Their tributes are shared by people who see remembering them as a duty for an island nation, honouring those “that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters.”

📷White gloves and standard tassels ready on a pew ahead of the Annual Service for Seafarers. Credit: NCI St Agnes Head

Who the service is for

The service honours seafarers from every part of maritime life. That includes the Merchant and Royal Navies, fishing fleets, workboats, cruise liners, commercial ships, ferries and yachts, along with others working at sea.

It also welcomes maritime welfare charities, nautical schools, youth groups, veterans’ associations, and people of all faiths and backgrounds.

📷Standards gathered at St Paul's Cathedral for the Annual Service for Seafarers. Credit: NCI St Agnes Head