On Sunday morning 27 July a memorial service for the victims of Malaysia Airlines MH17 was held on board HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën. The Dutch frigate is currently at sea off the coast of Somalia conducting counter-piracy patrols as part of the EU Naval Force.
The warship’s Chaplain, Thijs Oosterhuis, led the service, with poems and a reading in which he expressed that the thoughts of the Dutch Navy crew were with their people and families at home.
Crewmembers not on watch attended the service and lit a candle for those who had lost their lives and their bereaved relatives and friends.
Speaking about the memorial service, the Force Commander, Rear Admiral Jürgen zur Mühlen, stated “Personally, and on behalf of all the sailors in the EU Naval Force, I wish to express our deep condolences to the Dutch people and to the families directly affected by this tragic event. Our thoughts are with you all.”