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CHART COMPASS www.sailors-society.org WINTER 2016
SAILORS’ SOCIETY’S FREE MAGAZINE
TRAUMA AT SEA AND HOW THE SOCIETY HELPS
WELCOME
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CONTENTS INDUSTRY NEWS
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ociety launches S BySea coffee
SCHOOL BOAT PROJECT
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ow the Society H helped end the world’s wettest school run
TRAUMA AT SEA
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upporting the world’s S seafarers through crises
SEPARATED BY THE SEA
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he story of two T seafaring brothers reconnected by the Society
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HOSPITALISED AT SEA Society chaplain supports sick seafarer
FROM THE ARCHIVES
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he nine long T hours, an amazing story of human endurance
STORIES FROM THE QUAY
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ews from our N global chaplains
SPIRITUAL SUPPORT
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ise words from W Mark Warner
WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR, STUART RIVERS
Our chaplains are a support network that care for the world’s 1.5 million seafarers; a family away from home who are able to provide practical and emotional support to those they meet.
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his edition of Chart and Compass focuses on not only family, but also human endurance in incredibly difficult conditions. Sailors’ Society’s chaplains connect families separated by the sea; taking communication tools on board so that seafarers can see their loved ones’ faces for the first time in months. They introduce seafarers to their newborn children for the first time by taking Wi-Fi hotspots on board vessels, give them access to phone lines to let loved ones know they’re safe, and pass on messages to their fellow chaplains in foreign ports to make sure that those in need have access to support in the next port. They have helped seafarers who have suffered; whether that is by transporting them to hospital, counselling them through trauma and grief, or visiting them in prison, their continued dedication to seafarers is truly inspirational. If you need support from one of our chaplains, or from our Crisis Response Centres, the world map on our new website - www.sailors-society.org - has all the necessary contact details. The site can be accessed through our Wellness at Sea app, which is free to download on the Google Play or Apple stores; see the back page to be in with a chance of winning one of three mobile phones. It has been a busy year for the Society. We were privileged to take part in the Patron’s Lunch which celebrated the dedicated service Her Majesty the Queen
Registered Charity No. 237778 A company limited by guarantee Registered in England No. 86942 Patron: Her Majesty the Queen Editor: Stuart Rivers Assistant editor: James Leslie Designed by: Adam Carley
Published by: Sailors’ Society, Seafarer House, 74 St Annes Road, Woolston, Southampton, SO19 9FF Tel: +44 (0)23 8051 5950 Email: press@sailorssociety.org
has shown to her patron organisations; of which we are proud to be one. We have released our own brand of ethically sourced coffee, BySea, with blends coming from countries we have an active presence in. A hundred per cent of profits will go towards our work helping seafarers and their families.
We have a range of new events taking place in the coming months to test human endurance. If you want to play a part in helping us help more by challenging yourself, visit our website and get involved, we would be delighted to have you on board. As a charity, we are lucky to have such dedicated supporters, who enable the Society to expand its global welfare work. Thank you for your continued support.
INTERNATIONAL SAILORS’ SOCIETIES Canada Secretariat: Chamber of Shipping, Suite 100, 1111 West Hastings Street, Vancouver BC, V6E 2J3, Canada
New Zealand National Secretary: Larry Robbins OBE RNZN (RTD) 42 Knights Road, Rothesay Bay, Auckland 1311, New Zealand Southern Africa CEO: Revd J D (Boet) Van Schalkwyk Suite No. 6, Second Floor, Westville Centre, 52 Norfolk Terrace
IN FOCUS
www.sailors-society.org
INDUSTRY NEWS
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SPONSORED BY DREW MARINE SIGNAL AND SAFETY UK LTD WWW.COMET-MARINE.COM
ailors’ Society has launched BySea coffee, a commercial first for the charity and a sea change in coffee. All of the profits made from sales of BySea will go towards the Society’s work transforming the lives of hundreds of thousands of seafarers and their families around the world. Ethically sourced and socially responsible, the first two blends come from India and Brazil and were specifically chosen as the charity is expanding its work in these countries.
Coffee is the just the start - more BySea products are planned
Stuart Rivers, Sailors’ Society’s chief executive officer, said: “More than 90 per cent of everything we own and use comes by sea, by seafarers who are typically away from home for nine to 12 months facing violent storms, loneliness and isolation and even piracy and terrorism. BySea, even just by the name, reminds us of the journey our coffee has made before it reaches our cup.
“Sailors’ Society will be 200 years old in 2018 and looking to the future we are finding ways of diversifying our income; everyone needs coffee so this is a way every individual, office and church can help support the work we do, whether that’s helping a seafarer talk to loved ones back home or building classrooms for children in the Philippines.”
David Hammond, chief executive officer, Human Rights at Sea
BYSEA SUPPORTS FIRST IMHR CONFERENCE BySea was proud to support the 2016 International Maritime Human Rights (IMHR) conference in London. David Hammond, chief executive officer, Human Rights at Sea, said: “The new initiative by Sailors’ Society with the ethically sourced BySea coffee is an excellent example of thinking more widely than the traditional methods of raising much needed funds for maritime welfare.” The conference brought together members of the industry, civil society and government-level leaders for
For more information and to purchase the coffee, visit www.bysea.org
discussion and debate on issues affecting people who work at sea. Among the topics discussed, speakers debated the need for explicit engagement with maritime human rights, seafarer welfare and the investigation of human rights abuses at sea. David added: “I am personally very grateful to Sailors’ Society and BySea for stepping up to the mark and assisting Human Rights at Sea with support for the first International Maritime Human Rights conference. “After a year’s planning and preparation it was because of our supporters that we were able to put on such a professional event tackling the raft of human rights related problems that plague the maritime environment.”
To download the conference guide and Human Rights at Sea’s Managing Traumatic Stress publication, visit: www.HumanRightsatSea.org/publications
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IS THIS THE WORLD’S WETTEST SCHOOL RUN?
SOCIETY ENDS WORLD’S WETTEST SCHOOL RUN
Children brave the sea on the school run
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Children on five islets in the Philippines have had to swim two kilometres to school - with the risk of being washed out to sea just to get to class.
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ow, they’re celebrating the arrival of new boats provided by Sailors’ Society, which mean they will be able to get to school safe and dry. The two motorised boats, which carry up to 30 school children each, will dramatically improve the prospects of children attending Sulangan Integrated School. Sailors’ Society funded the boats for the seafaring community in Sulangan, as part of its mission to help seafarers and their families around the world, and more than 100 children from seafaring families will benefit from the new vessels. Before the boats arrived Ramie Aronales, 16 - who has disabilities including breathing difficulties - and his siblings Rose Marie, 12, Marvin, 8 and Marvy, 6, had to wade through the sea from their home on the tiny islet of Biagayag to get to the school two kilometres away. Their father, Ramone, would carry Marvy on his back at low tide - and at high tide the children were sometimes unable to get to school at all, or trapped at school for hours until Ramone was able to borrow his neighbour’s boat to collect them after class. Ramie’s parents were unable to finish their education, but Ramie is determined to finish school so that he can support his family in the future. He says: “The school boat project brings us, and other families like us, so much joy because at last we won’t be late and won’t miss going to school ever again. “This will serve as a stepping stone for me to become a seafarer someday.” Sailors’ Society has more than 100 chaplains and ship visitors working across 87 ports. They support seafarers and their families and are transforming their lives with everything from building new homes to providing computers for schools. Sandra Welch, deputy chief executive officer and director of programme for Sailors’ Society, says: “The worst thing most of us face on the school run is a bit of traffic, so it’s hard to believe that there are children who have to swim through the sea just to get an education. “Thanks to these boats, the children of Sulangan Integrated School no longer face an exhausting, dangerous journey every morning and arrive at school safe, dry and ready to gain the schooling they need.”
Help us help more, donate now ard the ol pupils on bo grated Scho ilors’ Society te In an ng la Su ovided by Sa new boats, pr
www.sailors-society.org/give
Charis Gibson is communications manager for Sailors’ Society and has more than 15 years’ experience in journalism, PR and charity communications
TRAUMA AT SEA 6
TRAUMA AT SEA
HOW THE SOCIETY SUPPORTS SEAFARERS AND THEIR FAMILIES IN CRISIS
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Muhartono Tito (right), with Lambas and his wife
eing kidnapped is not something most people think about when they go about their daily work, but for seafarers the recent upward trend of kidnap for ransom is a very real concern. In early 2016, 10 seafarers were kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf terrorists. After five weeks in captivity, facing fears of never seeing their loved ones again, the terrorists released the men. Port chaplains from the Society were able to provide emotional and welfare support to the seafarers and their families during the difficult time they faced. Muhartono Tito, Sailors’ Society port chaplain in the Indonesian port of Banjarmasin, acted as a liaison between the ship owner and the families while the seafarers were held captive. Muhartono said: “The families were incredibly worried about the safety of their loved ones. When news broke that the terrorists had freed the men, I called the seafarers’ families; they were incredibly grateful.”
One of the seafarers’ wives said: “My husband has finally been reunited with his family.” Their release came a week after Abu Sayyaf beheaded Canadian businessman John Ridsdel and, according to authorities, the terrorists still have at least 11 people hostage. Although the seafarers are in good physical health despite their ordeal, the mental strain of such a traumatic experience can have long-lasting effects. One of the seafarers said: “We were very stressed because they frequently threatened to slit our throats.” Muhartono has also supported a seafarer who was shot by terrorists. Lambas Simanungkalit was working on board a tugboat when it was hijacked between Malaysian and Filipino waters. Four of the 10 crew were kidnapped by the armed men and later released. “The hijackers came on board and threatened the men with their guns. “Lambas saw four of his friends taken away and feared for the others who were being fired at,” said Muhartono.
The doctors told his wife to expect the worst; he was weak and they gave him only a 20 per cent chance of surviving his injuries. In the confusion, Lambas was shot and fell to the ground. “He told me that the sound of gunfire was deafening.” Still conscious, Lambas was helped by a friend, who covered his wound with a cloth and radioed for help. Malaysian armed forces transferred Lambas to a bigger boat, where he received medical assistance. He was taken to hospital in a grave condition. “The doctor was amazed he was still conscious.” But, following two days of operations, Lambas’s condition deteriorated. “The doctors told his wife to expect the worst; he was weak and they gave him only a 20 per cent chance of surviving his injuries.”
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Members of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group
Amazingly though, Lambas recovered. “His recovery is a miracle. We will hold a thanksgiving service in their home and invite seafarers and the local congregation to attend. “Although all the men are all home safely, it is a real possibility that the seafarers and their families will suffer from stress. I have offered them counselling to help deal with their emotions,” added Muhartono. Last year, the Society’s chaplains and ship visitors reached more than 345,000 seafarers, extending a hand of friendship, hospitality and pastoral care to men and women who are often thousands of miles from home. Although piracy and terrorism at sea may make the news, the human cost can be more hidden. Jasper del Rosario, one of the charity’s chaplains in the Philippines, was able to comfort the wife of a seafarer who died in a tragic encounter between Somali pirates and authorities. As gunfire erupted between the two forces, the seafarer sought refuge in his vessel’s engine room, where he tragically suffocated and died. A year after her husband’s death,
a powerful earthquake struck the Philippines, destroying their house and leaving the family homeless. Once again, Jasper was able to step in. Thanks to donations, the Society gave financial aid needed to rebuild their home, as well as the emotional care to help her rebuild her life. Jasper’s colleague in Ukraine, Eduard Myrmyr, has also been supporting the wife and sons of a seafarer who was shot and killed by pirates.
“The boys’ mother is worried about them; they are growing and obviously miss their father. I talked to
the eldest boy and he agreed to meet me regularly and share the difficulties he has to face,” said Eduard. Seafaring frequently makes it onto lists of the world’s most dangerous jobs. That’s why Sailors’ Society has set up a Crisis Response Centre Network – a 24-hour, rapid response service to help traumatised seafarers after piracy attacks and other crises at sea. Chaplains in the centres, in Durban and Ukraine, work alongside other charities to offer trauma counselling and welfare to grief-stricken crews. Sailors’ Society currently has 10 port chaplains and two assistant chaplains specially trained in crisis response, and has plans to roll the programme out further to respond to the ever-increasing need. Two of the Society’s crisis responders are soon to qualify as trainers, so that they can pass their expertise on to more chaplains, and the charity aims to create a global network of support by opening new centres in the Americas and the Philippines. James Leslie is Sailors’ Society’s marketing and communications executive and can be found tweeting @JamesL_Sailors
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SEPARATED BY THE SEA
Rober
t on HMS M board eon
fin Three of the Grif rman No , brothers, Robert and Edward
SEPARATED BY THE SEA... UNTIL SAILORS’ SOCIETY STEPS IN
HMS Meon
www.sailors-society.org
Former seafaring brothers who had lost touch have been reconnected, thanks to the Society.
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obert Griffin was concerned for the wellbeing of his 82-year-old brother Norman, who lives in New Zealand, after being unable to reach him for more than two years, and is delighted to have finally reconnected. “We’re thrilled and so is he; he’s not a very well man sadly, but he was cheerful enough talking to me.” Robert, 81, who spent nine years in the Royal Navy, last spoke to his brother in 2014. He had all but given up hope of speaking to his brother again until Sailors’ Society came to the rescue in response to a call for help from Robert’s son Steve. Robert said: “We spoke about the family and it was brilliant to talk to him after all this time. “He wished my wife and I a happy 60th anniversary. We spoke for more than 20 minutes and weren’t worried about the time as we were just pleased to catch up. He told me that one of his friends had recently passed away and our call cheered him up a bit.” Norman was a merchant seafarer and moved to New Zealand in the 1950s. He had been living at the Auckland Sailors’ Home until a fire destroyed the building in 2007. Since then, the brothers have struggled to maintain contact. Robert explained: “Before the fire, I knew he would be in the lounge in the morning, so I could ring him there and have a catch up. Since the fire, it has been a lot harder to get through to him.” Robert’s son Steve was spurred on to track his uncle down by his parents’ wedding anniversary. Steve said: “Uncle Norman’s not really a pen-to-paper sort of person, dad would always send him birthday and Christmas cards but having not had anything back for a while was getting concerned. “He’s a lovely man and full of life. I always remember that the cold didn’t bother him, we would be wrapped up and he would be walking about in flip-flops and shorts, I think he was used to the cold having spent so long at sea.” Knowing that his uncle was in the Merchant Navy, Steve searched online for organisations that help seafarers and found Sailors’ Society. He sent the Society a Facebook message and within 24 hours the charity, which has a sister society in New Zealand, had tracked Norman down. Larry Robbins, honorary treasurer at International Sailors’ Society New Zealand, helped to reconnect the brothers: “It was a pleasure to be able to assist using the contacts and resources of the partners at the Auckland International Seafarers’ Centre and I’m really pleased to hear that there was such a good outcome.” Tracking down Norman via social media isn’t the most unusual way the brothers have got in contact. Robert spent 18 months with the Navy in the Mediterranean between 1953-55. At the same time, Norman was travelling from the UK to New Zealand on a merchant vessel. Robert explained: “I was on HMS Meon and we docked at the Grand Harbour in Malta. There was a light flash across the way and a signal officer came to tell me that someone wanted to speak to me personally. I went up to the bridge and flashed the light back, it was my brother Norman half a
mile away on a merchant ship. “We had a good chat on the signal lamp, we almost got reprimanded for sending personal messages but my skipper took it well.” Robert added: “When Steve said he had been searching for Norman, it was amazing to hear he had tracked him down. My brother Edward had been trying too with no luck so we’re delighted to have got back in contact.”
Norman wit a visi h his pare nts on t back to the UK
Robert and Norman tol together in Bris Get in touch:
www.sailors-society.org
+44(0)23 8051 5950 enquiries@sailors-society.org
/sailorssociety @sailorssociety
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HOSPITALISED AT SEA
‘ANGEL’ AIDS ILL SEAFARER
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Carlos being visited by his brother Gabriel
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ilton de Souza, chaplain in the Brazilian port of Vitória, was able to support a Mexican seafarer who was struck down by a stroke after a brain tumour. Ailton visited Carlos Gaspar, 40, on a daily basis and acted as an interpreter between the unwell seafarer and hospital staff. He also took him essential items such as food and toiletries. Chaplain Ailton said: “He faced traumatic times, but we prayed for him and his family and supported not only his physical recovery, but also his emotional wellbeing.” Ailton continued: “I was with him every day to make sure he felt safe, despite being miles from home. Port chaplains become friends with seafarers in a short space of time; I am proud
to be seen by them as a friendly face between the storms.” Since Ailton joined Sailors’ Society in 2007, he has gained the nickname ‘the Angel’, having made almost 500 hospital
visits to 150 sick seafarers. “God keeps giving me opportunities to care for seafarers and I take care of them with the same dedication I had when helping the first one,” Ailton added. Carlos’ brother Gabriel travelled from Mexico to be with him during
Rapid response trauma care and counselling for seafarers. 24-hour emergency numbers: • +27 (0) 83 301 8022 - Sub-Saharan Africa • +380 503366790 - Ukraine
his recovery. With his operation and rehabilitation successful, Carlos was able to return home. Sadly, not all the seafarers Ailton helps receive the all clear like Carlos. “A Filipino seafarer was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer having suffered with severe back pains. During times of prayer, he asked God for another opportunity to see his wife and daughters and tell them that he loved them. “The doctors said it would be a miracle if he arrived home alive, but he believed God loved him so much, he was certain he would see them again. “God gave him the opportunity to be with his family for two weeks. Despite the short time we were together, we became good friends and truly brothers, and I will never forget him.”
Director of the UK P&I Club’s pre-employment medical examination programme, Sophia Bullard, highlights the importance of a healthy crew
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rior to starting a term of employment on board, each seafarer is subject to a pre-employment medical examination (PEME). Normally the crew would undertake a national maritime or flag state medical examination at a local clinic but these medicals can be basic health checks without blood work or any physical examination. Unfortunately, as a result of these basic examinations, the UK P&I Club often see crew of poor health or with
existing (untreated) medical conditions soon become ill once on board. Conditions that may not necessarily cause an issue on land, may be aggravated by life at sea, without access to urgent medical attention, and a long way from home. Crew illness is the largest claim group within all people claims experienced by shipowners and seen by the Club. This claim group is growing year on year so it is wise for shipowners and operators to consider steps to reduce the likelihood of such incidents occurring on their ships. The UK P&I Club PEME scheme offers both shipowners/operators and crew the reassurance of an enhanced medical examination which is carried out by approved medical providers guaranteed to provide a quality service. The enhanced, trusted medical examination content screens all major body organs and addresses the most common health concerns. The examination reassures both the shipowner and the crew so they can be confident they start their employment in good health with a lower risk of illness during their term of employment.
www.sailors-society.org
Some of the Society’s chaplains give advice on what to do if you feel ill in port or at sea
It is easy to panic when you feel ill, it is best to try to remain calm, talk to your Captain and if possible the ship’s agent. Muhartono Tito, port chaplain
In an emergency, vessels can contact Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) to report the situation so help can be arranged. David See, port chaplain A couple of years ago, I met a Captain who had high blood pressure. He shared that he needed medicine, which I was able to get him. Being able to help him was a great feeling. Solichin Daniel, port chaplain
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FROM THE ARCHIVES
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The Nine Long Hours by Douglas Wardrop
“Can they hear me shouting, my puny voice in this vast ocean? Not a hope.”
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his is an extraordinary document, the personal story of a man - who unknown to his shipmates - fell overboard somewhere in the Pacific. For nine hours he floated alone in a vast ocean. His companions were sting-fish, a turtle and killer sharks. This is what a man thinks, feels, while he waits for the end, whatever the end will be. The Daily Mail of Friday, June 14 1957, electrified its millions of readers with its story of the experience of second officer Douglas Wardrop. The editor of the Daily Mail has very kindly allowed us to reprint the article so that our readers may reflect again on the quality of our seamen and the privilege the Society feels in being in service for them. I can see the stern light bobbing up from me over the wave tops and Rule 10 of the International Collision Regulations flashes through my mind. Can they hear me shouting, my puny voice in this vast ocean? Not a hope. The light bobs away and there is no masthead light to indicate that the ship is turning about and returning to me. Now the stern light, indicating comfort, safety, and security, has gone. I am all alone in a vast expanse of water and there is not much hope of the ship returning for at least eight hours. I can see Antares and Saturn a little above Altair and Denab, and the moon is fast disappearing in the western sky. I hope Mr. Love, the chief officer, has good sight… It is becoming lighter in the eastern sky and the stars are disappearing fast. Farewell, oh companions of the graveyard watch! Welcome ye rising sun! The easiest way to stay afloat is to tread water with my feet, and arms describing an arc in front of my body. Floating on my back is not to much avail as the breaking water hinders my breathing. I can picture the effect on the crew when they hear of my disappearance and my thoughts are centred on old man Captain Coutts for the awful responsibility and anxiety imposed on him. He must be waiting and watching after turning the ship round and making his calculations. I can visualise Sparks sitting for hours in his small cabin surrounded by his instruments, sending our frantic signals for all ships in the area to keep a sharp look out… ears straining for the message to say all was well. So ran my thoughts for the first few hours after falling overboard from the British Monarch on June 9. I had made up my mind that my time was not up. I needed to reassure myself several times here. Then I proceeded to let my mind wander at will, ignoring the body until the return of my ship. I knew which way to travel by getting bearings from the sun. The ship was steering 278 degrees when the accident happened and therefore I faced myself in that direction to await her return. Having settled my mind on this score I felt at liberty to consider other things. I considered it a waste of time to divest myself of my clothing. I was in tropical gear at the time. I kept my shoes on to give me protection against attack from sharks. The water was very dense and I found it easy to keep afloat.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
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And I thought… Well, God, I am in your hands. In you I put my trust for better or worse. If it be your will, take me in what way you will, and if it be a shark make it quick. But I can hardly believe that my time is up. The ship will return in due course, so let’s make the best of it while we are waiting. God! What was that! Get off! Leave me alone! It stings like hell! I wonder why. This fish is about 12 to 18 inches long, with small suckers of pale blue. What purpose do you fulfil, old fellow? Sting if you will, but don’t creep up from behind. Give a man a sporting chance. There goes a Portuguese man-o’-war. Good morning, old chap. Where are you bound, or are you wandering like myself? Don’t come too close, for I fear you sting. The sun is up and with it have come two birds to investigate this stranger in their midst. Both are dark brown, with white markings on the underside of the tail. They seem uncommonly interested in the strange object floating among the waves. They are very friendly, but with the bad habit of dive-bombing out of the sun which necessitates my having to turn about each time. This puts a strain on the eyes. They have lost interest now and are away hunting. I am all alone again, with the swell getting steeper, but I am finding it comparatively easy to keep afloat. I never dreamt that solitude could be so comforting, but I am not alone really. Nobody really is, for he is with us all the time, unseen, unheard, but very real… What was happening about the British Monarch? The other members of the crew would be posted at various vantage points, each watching and waiting, with private thoughts spinning through his mind. I hoped and prayed that all would be well at home with those nearest and dearest to me, and that news of the accident and survival would be simultaneous. While bordering upon thoughts of home I thought-visited all my friends and relatives, re-enacting the last visits I paid them and trying to visualise what they would be doing at this time. The progress of the world also occupied my mind for a very long time. Such questions as the reason for being here, the superiority of man over other forms of life, and the futility of warfare and bloodshed. Being Sunday, I thought a service would be fitting so I joined Captain Villiers on the Mayflower for a while and also visited my cousin on board his small boat in the same ocean. My constant companion was a turtle of large dimensions, and although it was unable to speak, it afforded me quite a few laughs at times. A very friendly chap he was and I felt sorry that we had to part company. The ship returned at last as I knew she would. And I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those on board for everything they have done. They are a crowd of lads a man is proud to call his friends. How did the accident happen? While inspecting the log clock, which happened to be faulty. And this is how my shipmates reacted when I returned. 1 – “My money’s on you for the next cross-Channel race.” 2 – “Some way to spend Sunday at sea.” Later the radio operator said to the third mate: “Seen the second mate?” Third mate: “What… again?”
STORIES FROM THE QUAY 14
TRANSFORMING LIVES
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NEWS FROM OUR PORT CHAPLAINS AROUND THE WORLD
MT MARO CREW FIND FREEDOM AFTER TWO YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT
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he 11-strong crew of the MT Maro were finally released in July after being held for two years in Nigeria. Revd Boet van Schalkwyk worked with the National Seafarers Welfare Board of Nigeria (NSWBN) and supported the seafarers. Boet said: “The crew’s release is a great relief, especially after such a traumatic time. We are pleased we could offer our help, alongside the NSWBN, to ensure that the crew was cared for.” The seafarers’ ordeal began in July 2014 when the ship’s engine failed and it drifted into a stretch of Nigerian waters. The ship was arrested and accused of straying into Nigerian waters without permission. The Indian crew, with a Nigerian captain, found themselves imprisoned and there began a series of court battles to prove their innocence. The crew’s families had no idea what had become of their loved ones until communication was finally established in August 2015. Boet and Father Thami Tembe were given the go-ahead to visit the prisoners and were able to offer welfare
The crew of the MT Maro on release with their lawyer, Mr Sandeep Singh
support and counselling in September 2015. It was the first interaction the crew had had with the outside world since their arrest.
Boet with Father Thami Tembe
“We were able to provide them with friendship and a listening ear, as well as practical items such as books and money for toiletries,” said Boet. “The horror was still there and frustration was high. We wanted to give them hope.” Boet, who also manages the Society’s Durban-based Crisis Response Centre for seafarers who have experienced trauma, kept in touch with the seafarers and their legal team. After a long-running trial the seafarers’ release was finally secured and they were reunited with their families.
CHAPLAINS SUPPORT FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF SEAFARER KILLED IN SCOTLAND
Drew Anderson supported the Deep Energy crew in Invergordon
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ailors’ Society auxiliary port chaplain Drew Anderson arranged a service for the grieving crew of Deep Energy who lost a colleague in a tragic industrial accident. The seafarer was working on the quay when he was struck and critically injured by a forklift. Drew said: “I got a call from the port authority just after the incident
and spent most of the day with the crew alongside ship visitor Murdo MacLeod. I organised a mass for them on board that afternoon. “When I went on board there were a lot of visibly upset people. Working together at sea for many months, the seafarers are close and to them it’s like losing a brother.” Drew returned the next day to administer emotional and practical support: “The Captain asked if I could put them in touch with the local Catholic priest to do a requiem mass for the crew, we arranged this to be held at St Joseph’s Church.” Drew liaised with his fellow Sailors’
Society chaplain in the Philippines, Nic Tuban, who comforted the seafarer’s widow and children in Manila. Nic said: “His wife is devastated, she didn’t expect him to die so young and told me that he had recently spoken about retiring. “He had been in Scotland for quite a while and his job was the family’s main source of income. “I comforted the family and prayed with them. I was able to give his wife financial assistance in the form of a Sailors’ Society welfare grant.” Nic Tuban
SPIRITUAL SUPPORT www.sailors-society.org
OUR FAITH
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FAMILY
mindset; but it doesn’t prevail globally - in other cultures it is the perceived duty of the extended family to use its skills and resources for the benefit of every member.
FAITH IS BOTH A COMFORT AND PROTECTION FOR THOSE AT HOME AND AWAY AT SEA
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cannot help but feel overawed by the selfless dedication that so many seafarers have in looking after their family back home - not just their partners and children, but their extended family. They don’t choose a life at sea to find personal fulfilment; they are there to sacrificially invest in a better future for their loved ones. Mutual support There’s an understanding whereby other significant adults will take on practical hands-on tasks while they, distanced around the oceans, earn the money to sustain them. This is seen most starkly when disasters strike, such as the monster typhoon in the Philippines three years ago. Despite family dwellings missing roofs (and far worse), seafarers couldn’t afford to stop work to carry out repairs. They longed to be home in such dire circumstances, but knew that the best thing was to maintain the cash flow and to leave it to family members to fix things. As readers of Chart and Compass will know, Sailors’ Society has stepped in to help rebuild the infrastructure; but, despite this, seafarers and their kinship groups remain inexorably dependent
The Jesus family The notion of social security gained impetus from the example of the early followers of Jesus. Why? Because they saw themselves as truly members of an ever-growing international family. They believed that their master had shown them how true faith is seen in taking care not just of the nearest and dearest but of all the needy people around them (see prayer box). Contrary to so much individualistic and nationalistic emphasis that we see today, Christians surely belong to an international family that knows no distinction of ethnicity or culture. Let’s learn from our diverse cultural heritages, but let’s also draw deeper from the wells of God’s Holy Spirit to transcend all frontiers and identify with and care for our fellow humans wherever they are found.
upon one another. Western nuclear families Some western nations emphasise a narrow definition of family, comprising just parents and immediate children. Though this may not always be the case, the state takes on the role of providing for relatives that are elderly, widowed, disabled, poor and unemployed. This is a great relief to those who feel overwhelmed by the pressures of modern life and find their immediate family enough to handle. Many have grown up with such a
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Revd Mark Ashton Warner is Sailors’ Society’s public engagement officer
mwarner@sailors-society.org
PRAYER There was a crowd sitting around Jesus, and someone said, “Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you.” Jesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he looked at those around him and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers.” Mark 3:32-34
Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:27 Scripture quotations taken from New Living Translation
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