A memorial service was held at Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Lyttelton on 31 July 2024 for the lost crew members of the FV Argos Georgia.

The fishing vessel was lost at sea claiming 13 lives in the South Atlantic when the crew of 27 was forced to abandon ship on Monday, 22 July 2024.

The service was attended by many Lyttelton locals who had a connection with the crews who spent time in New Zealand.

Those who knew the crew of the Argos Georgia described them as friendly and having an “overflowing warmth” with the Spanish influence.

The Argos Georgia was one of the Argos Froyanes fishing company vessels, which fished for toothfish in the Falkland Islands, Antarctica, and South Georgia regions.

The company has a 20 year close relationship with New Zealand with Lyttelton and Nelson used as their base ports for maintenance and preparation. Argos had plans to return later this year.

A wreath was cast into Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour following the service with both Piaka and Blackadder tugs on hand.

The loss of the Argos Georgia is a tragic and devastating event that has shaken the industry.