German Navy tall ship Gorch Fock in waters close to Reykjavík, Iceland

© DEEPOL by plainpicture/Henn Photograph

Saluting seafarers. Hoisting a flag for seafarers

Slicing through the chilly seas off Iceland, this tall ship is called the Gorch Fock and is a training vessel of the German Navy. Built in 1958, it replaced the original 1933 Gorch Fock, which was seized by the Soviet Union in the wake of World War Two (but is now back home in Stralsund, Germany, as a museum ship). Because traditionally rigged tall ships are valued as tools for learning general sailing skills, the '58 Gorch Fock is still in service but for much of the 21st century, it's been in and out of dry dock for repairs and safety improvements.

Today marks the International Day of the Seafarer, which puts the spotlight on overseas shipping and its importance to daily life around the world as well as the bravery and sacrifice of sailors. As much as 90% of all cargo travels by sea at some point, so next time you encounter an old sea dog on a dark and stormy night, don't forget to say thanks.