SHIPWRECK

When a 3000-tonne cargo ship sunk at night off the coast of Oman, the Mission was there to support the traumatized survivors.  

The tragic accident in June 2011 left six seafarers missing. The four crew who managed to reach a life raft spent a gruelling ten days at sea without food or water, eventually being rescued by a German vessel bound for the United Arab Emirates. On reaching the UAE, three of the men were taken into police custody, while one was admitted to hospital to receive treatment for internal bleeding from injuries sustained during his escape from the ship.

MtS’ chaplain in Dubai, the Revd Nigel Dawkins, visited the seafarers to check on their welfare, and offer support and condolence while they waited for the paperwork which would allow them to finally go home.

Piracy

Injury

Unpaid wages

Bereavement

Homesickness

Family liaison