Our busy cruise season has now ended for 2009 and so the number of seafarers who come to the MISSION CENTRE has decreased.   However we are also having an increasing number of merchant seafarers to visit the MC as a result of an almost daily pattern of ship visiting and we warmly welcome them as members of our family!

Egyptian, Syrian and Ukrainian seafarers have recently been in touch with the Padre to ask for his support, help, and guidance in connection with problems on board their respective ships.

The Mission Centre and Padre were on stand-by just before Christmas following the tragic sinking off the nearby Lebanese coast of the DANNY F2 a vessel with 83 seafarers and 28,000 sheep and cattle on board.    The vessel had sailed from Uruguay to Syria and was almost at its destination when it encountered terrible weather in that part of the eastern Mediterranean Sea and capsized.     Over 30 people are still missing.   The UNIFIL Mission based in Limassol gave valuable assistance mainly from the German warship MOSEL whose crew were deeply saddened by the tragedy.

Our new Diocesan Bishop - Michael - came to visit us recently to spend half a day in the PORT and at the MISSION CENTRE.

Father Marvin is part-time Padre/Chaplain (paid 37.5% salary) because he is allowed 3 months un-paid leave each year to enable him and his wife Sue to give time and energy to being members of staff of KINKIIZI DIOCESE in The Anglican Church of Uganda.    They spend approx 8 weeks in Uganda each year during Feb-April.     They raise funds to help support 200+ young people (mostly girls and orphans) in paying their school fees.