As the year edges closer to its end, this month’s edition of Port News highlights the tireless efforts of The Mission to Seafarers in providing care, advocacy, and support to maritime workers worldwide.
From responding to emergencies and supporting grieving families to facilitating lighter moments of joy, our global network of chaplains, welfare officers, and volunteers has been on the front lines, ensuring seafarers never face adversity alone. Here’s a regional breakdown of the stories that defined November 2024.
UK Region
Fowey Sea Port: Helping new joiners
In Fowey, Port Welfare Officer Evette Hall extended support to a newly joined Captain and cook awaiting their vessel’s arrival. Stranded in the rain, they faced carrying heavy luggage over a mile to their ship. Evette stepped in, providing transportation, water, and refreshments, turning an exhausting wait into an experience marked by kindness and compassion.
Asia-Pacific Region
Singapore: Pastoral support following tanker tragedy
In Singapore, Port Chaplain Toh Soon Kok provided crucial support to the crew of a tanker following a tragic gas poisoning incident. After losing one crew member and seeing two more injured, Toh Soon Kok conducted a prayer service and provided one-on-one support to the remaining crew. This intervention underscores the importance of mental health care and the provision of resources for physical and psychological recovery in times of trauma.
Bangkok, Thailand: Advocacy and compassion in action
Revd. Dave Hinay, MtS Chaplain in Thailand, showcased the Mission’s multifaceted support. He helped secure a seafarer’s early release from a contract without unfair compensation, welcomed home a seafarer returning from nearly a year’s detention in Iran, and maintained communication with a hospitalised crew member’s family, providing much-needed assurance. These actions exemplify the Mission’s commitment to being a steadfast advocate and caregiver.
Yokohama & Kobe, Japan: Bereavement care and community spirit
In Yokohama, Revd. Andrew Dangerfield addressed the passing of a Chief Officer’s death, conducting mass and offering comfort to the grieving crew. Later in the month, he organised a Sports Week event that brought over 120 seafarers together for games, camaraderie, and fun. Meanwhile, in Kobe, Revd. Paul Tolhurst provided ongoing bereavement support to the crew previously visited in Yokohama, ensuring continuity of care and practical assistance even during their short stay.
Busan, South Korea: Lasting memories
Chaplain Monica Park reconnected with a Filipino crew member retiring after decades at sea who fondly recalled a sightseeing trip organised by the Mission 20 years earlier. This heartwarming encounter highlights the enduring impact of simple acts of kindness and the long memories they leave behind.
Americas Region
Houston, USA: Diverse support for seafarers
In November 2024, Revd. Thomas Morrow navigated a wide range of cases. He advocated for a Tanzanian seafarer injured in an explosion, working to address a range of issues which reflect the complexities that many seafarers face at the intersection of immigration, health, and financial instability. Revd. Morrow also provided spiritual support to the remaining crew after a severe onboard accident sent a seafarer home to recover. This incident underscores the risks crew members face daily and the importance of a supportive community in times of distress.
On a lighter note, Revd. Thomas Morrow worked to reunite a Ukrainian captain with a cherished pair of boots lost during the war, turning a small act into a moment of joy and pride. He also introduced an Indian captain and his crew to a local aquarium as relaxing alternative to shopping, inspiring new outreach ideas for seafarers. These actions exemplify the Mission’s holistic approach to seafarers’ physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Seattle, USA: Tugboat crew advocacy
Julia Cooper, MtS Director of Operations in Seattle, collaborated with the ITF to support a neglected tugboat crew, ensuring access to food, medication, and advocacy for unpaid wages. Her blog post highlighted the systemic challenges maritime workers often face and the need for collective action to address them. This story, which gained local attention, emphasises the Mission’s role in protecting vulnerable seafarers.
Halifax, Canada: Repatriation support
Through collaboration with the ITF, Mission Manager Helen Glenn facilitated the safe repatriation of a distressed seafarer facing unsafe working conditions and personal tragedy. Staying in touch after his return to the Philippines, Helen continues to offer emotional support, illustrating the Mission’s dedication to long-term care beyond the port.
Cristobal, Panama: Ongoing justice and welfare support
Port Chaplain Fr. Ian Hutchinson Cervantes continued his support for a crew stranded for months on a flag-less vessel, unpaid and lacking basic necessities like fuel, food, and proper living conditions. One seafarer, severely injured in an onboard accident, now relies on local public healthcare and support from The Mission to Seafarers for medicine, food, and accommodation.
With the vessel currently without a flag, authorities and ITF have limited leverage to help. The injured seafarer struggles with financial insecurity, is concerned about his future prospects, and has not heard from the company or his lawyer. Throughout this ordeal, Port Chaplain Fr. Ian Hutchinson Cervantes has provided practical assistance, emotional support, and spiritual care, visiting him regularly, celebrating his birthday, and offering comfort as he recovers and plans for the future. Fr. Ian Hutchinson Cervantes is continuing to advocate for justice on behalf of all seafarers onboard regarding unpaid wages and the vessel’s unresolved legal issues.
Middle East and Africa Region
Richards Bay & Port Elizabeth, South Africa: Digital chaplaincy and support
In Richards Bay, Port Chaplain Mark Classen provided long-distance support to a 2nd Engineer grieving the loss of his wife. Coordinating with MtS Manila, Mark helped the seafarer navigate funeral arrangements and provided emotional solace during this tragic time. In Port Elizabeth, Revd. Philile Lobese supported seafarers grappling with homesickness, family issues, and difficult career decisions, demonstrating that pastoral care can comfort both spirit and mind.
UAE: Tanker explosion response
Welfare Officer Willy Nebria, working alongside the Federal Maritime Authority, provided critical support after a tanker explosion claimed three lives and left another seafarer with severe burns. Willy coordinated with authorities to manage repatriation and visited the survivor in the hospital, offering solace and witnessing his recovery. Nebria’s efforts exemplified compassionate care and highlighted the Mission’s vital role in times of crisis.
Tuticorin, India: Support for grieving family
Revd. Stephen Thanapaul supported and consoled the grieving parents of a seafarer who died in Sharjah. Assisting with the complexities of repatriation and offering spiritual comfort, he demonstrated solidarity at a time of profound loss.
Looking ahead
The stories from November 2024 highlight The Mission to Seafarers’ unwavering dedication and the enduring resilience of the seafarers we serve. Whether navigating complex legal landscapes, offering medical and psychological assistance, or simply lending a listening ear, our global network continues to stand beside maritime workers worldwide.
Your support makes our mission possible. Learn how you can help us continue making a positive difference in the lives of seafarers around the globe here.
