Sailor's Grave Tattoo Symbol

Sometimes the Sailor’s Grave symbol included an anchor, life preserver, or a perching, spread eagle, but its defining characteristic was the sinking ship, still partially visible above the surface of the water. The design stems from a long tradition of sailor memorials and it commemorates the men and ships that have been lost at sea. This type of design, and others of the maritime school, were typically done with heavy outlines, bright colors, and dark shading.