A memorial flotilla sailed through Hamilton Harbour yesterday in tribute to three Marine & Ports staff who died within a week of each another.

The vessels sounded their horns in a final salute to Shawn Bremar, Andre Durham and Macio Lightbourne after they formed up and left from the Flagpole on Hamilton’s Front Street.

Mr Durham was a senior engine driver for 41 years and Mr Bremar was a mechanic with 17 years of service at the department.

Mr Lightbourne was a retired chief electrician who had worked for the department for 20 years.

The Reverend Nicholas Tweed, the pastor of St Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Hamilton, delivered a prayer from one of the boats and Chris Furbert, the president of the Bermuda Industrial Union, offered condolences to the men’s families.

Mr Furbert added: “This is not an easy time – but we appreciate the efforts of the Marine & Ports division of the BIU for organising this tribute.”

Lawrence Scott, the transport minister, thanked the men along with Marine and Ports staff for their support “keeping our ports and our waterways safe”.

Marine & Ports staff presented pictures and other tributes to the families of the three men.

Cole Simons, the leader of the Opposition, and Scott Pearman, the shadow transport and legal affairs minister, last night offered the party’s condolences to the families of the three men.

In a statement they said: “The One Bermuda Alliance offers sincere condolences to the family and friends of three Marine & Ports employees, who all passed away recently within a short period.

“At this time of physical distancing, the loss must be devastating for such a close-knit and essential Government department. Our thoughts and prayers are with their colleagues, families and the wider community.”