JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A bell rang 55 times Wednesday morning at a ceremony dedicated to workers who died on the job in 2016 and crew members who lost their lives on El Faro.
Jacksonville's mayor and federal officials honored the workers at a ceremony at Florida State College of Jacksonville's downtown campus.
At the sound of each strike of a bell, a name was called out.
The song ‘Amazing Grace’ played as the people in the room remembered the 33 crew members who lost their lives when El Faro sank in Hurricane Joaquin in October.
“It was very chilling, with the bell as well as the names that were called out,” said State Senator Audrey Gibson of District 9.
No family members of the victims attended.
“The 33 seamen deserve every tribute that they can get, whether we’re present or not,” said Pastor Robert Green, father of El Faro crew member LaShawn Rivera.
Pastor Green said he and other El Faro families didn’t know about the ceremony but are glad their loved ones were recognized.
"My hat goes off to anyone who wants to celebrate anyone that lost their lives while trying to make a living,” said Green.
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