General news

Crewmembers and cadets of the Khersones sailing ship pay homage to Sevastopol hero sailors

The FSUE “Rosmorport” Khersones sailing ship took part in the maritime sacred procession on the Crimean Peninsula on July 12-17, 2019. The ceremony was timed to the memory of the crew of the Vesta steamboat perished at Cape Tarkhankut. In 1877 the vessel won a victory over the enemy during the Russian-Turkish war. More than one hundred years later the residents and guests of Sevastopol remember the great feat and pay homage to the defenders of Motherland.

The maritime sacred procession, which became a pious tradition on the peninsula, has been held since 2014 within the framework of a scientific and practical expedition “The Crimean Trip Around the World”. The expedition involves representatives of over 200 Russian higher education institutions. This year the events began with dedicating a mobile church aboard the Khersones sailing ship by Reverend Father Sergii of Sevastopol. Then cadets, undergoing training aboard the frigate, were told about the history of the Vesta steamboat, its battle with the Fethi Bulend armored corvette, as well as about the history of shipboard churches.

In the morning of July 14 the Khersones sailing ship has reached Cape Tarkhankut where a solemn parade was held. A wreath laying ceremony was concluded by performing the national anthem. Sailors observed a minute of silence in tribute to fallen heroes.

At present, a total of 119 cadets of Admiral Ushakov State Maritime University and its branches, as well as the Murmansk State Technical University undergo training on the Khersones sailing ship. The program envisions their participation in the events aimed at developing the glorious Russian maritime traditions, moral values and patriotism.