The memory of the seven fishermen murdered in 1978 on the fishing boat Cruz del Mar has once again gained strength this week in Arrecife. The plaques in homage to the victims, which had been stolen months ago from the surroundings of the Monument on the Puerto de Naos promenade, have already been replaced thanks to the intervention of the City Council.
The mayor of Arrecife, Yonathan de León, ordered the council to assume the cost of the replacement and also promoted a comprehensive improvement action in the surroundings of the monument. Under his responsibility in the Department of Public Works, municipal workers were assigned to beautify and repair the space that houses this sculpture designed by the artist Juan Brito, who created a lighthouse as a symbol of light and guidance for the murdered sailors.
This Friday, within the framework of the festivities in honor of the Virgen del Carmen, patron saint of sailors, Arrecife celebrated an emotional act of homage. The floral offering was made next to the monument 'The light that guides us', with the presence of relatives of the deceased, representatives of the Cruz del Mar Association, members of the Municipal Corporation, neighbors and traditional groups such as the Parranda Marinera de Los Buches.
The names of Amador Hernández, Chano Cañada, Alfredo Marrero, Juan Suárez, Agustín Hernández, José María Hernández and Rafael Salas were remembered in this act prior to the traditional maritime procession of the Virgen del Carmen, which will take place this Saturday in the Valterra neighborhood. During the tour, the image of the patron saint will make a symbolic stop in front of the monument, as a gesture of respect and memory.
