Carly Fields speaks with former secretary general Andrew Wright about his time with the Mission
Andrew Wright’s tenure as secretary general of The Mission to Seafarers (MtS) has been a chapter defined by unwavering commitment to the welfare of seafarers. His journey, marked by challenges and triumphs, offers a profound insight into the lives of those who navigate the world’s oceans.
Before becoming the MtS secretary general, Andrew’s career path included serving in three parishes and working as a school chaplain for 16 years. Then, in 2007, he transitioned to maritime ministry as Mission Chaplain (director of operations) at the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen. This experience provided him with valuable insight into the work of The Mission to Seafarers, ultimately leading him to apply for the secretary general position.
Andrew describes his time as secretary general as challenging, stressful, but always deeply fulfilling. He credits the exceptional teams in London and around the world for making the experience rewarding.
During his tenure, Andrew oversaw significant changes within the charity, including adapting to evolving seafaring practices, modernising port services, and establishing new ‘beyond-port’ programmes, such as Family Support Networks.
Andrew also highlights the challenges of fundraising and navigating global crises, including the pandemic, the Ukraine war, and the Red Sea crisis.
Throughout these trying times, he emphasises the unwavering support of partners and supporters across the maritime industry and beyond.
Lessons learned from seafarers
Andrew’s interactions with seafarers left a lasting impression on him. “I have loved meeting seafarers all over the world, in ports and on ships. I particularly valued a voyage I was able to make on one container ship, working alongside the crew and learning so much from them.
“I have learnt so much from so many seafarers but above all, perhaps, of their extraordinary heroism and self-sacrifice. They give up so much for so long in a determination to serve their immediate and often their wider families. It is an amazing and inspirational thing, and in theological terms very Christlike in its spirit of sacrifice,” he says.
The Covid-19 pandemic proved to be both the greatest challenge and the greatest high point of Andrew’s tenure. Seafarers faced immense hardships due to travel restrictions and lockdowns.
Many became trapped on ships for extended periods, unable to return home or even disembark in ports.
“Levels of suffering and stress were dreadful, as many seafarers became trapped on ships, unable to get home and having to work on for up to 17 months, unable to even get off ship in port for many, many months,” he shares. “Those without onboard Wi-Fi were unable to even keep in touch with their families, about whom they had so many worries. Others were trapped at home, unable to start their contracts and earn a salary.”
The Mission provided critical support during this time, including essential supplies deliveries, personal shopping for medicine and communication tools, and assistance with crew crises. Andrew is proud of the organisation’s role in facilitating vaccinations for seafarers when they became available. “It was an extraordinarily difficult time for all, but the Mission remained vigorously supportive of seafarers throughout, in the very best traditions of our long ministry.”
Commitment to abandoned seafarers
Another major challenge Andrew encountered was abandoned vessels, ships left at sea, often without fuel, food, or water, and with unpaid crews on board. The Mission provides basic necessities to seafarers in such situations and advocates for better outcomes. Andrew finds these situations especially heartbreaking, recalling one instance where a single seafarer was forced to cook his meagre rations on an open fire on deck.
“In the cases with which we have been involved it has been a privilege to have supplied those basic needs, sometimes to vessels anchored quite far out at sea. We have also done our best to contribute to advocacy and have been proud of the fact that sometimes we have been able to support good outcomes,” he says. “However, it is always so distressing to work with seafarers who may have been stuck on their ships for many months, not infrequently years, unpaid and with so many implications for them and their families.”
While acknowledging the challenges faced by some women in seafaring careers, Andrew emphasises the importance of diversity for creating strong ship communities. He believes a good captain fosters a supportive and inclusive environment for the crew, and having women on board can be a positive influence. “Diversity among crews can be a great and balancing thing, bringing something rich to the community. A good sense of community makes a good ship. I love it when I go on ships and sense a strong, mutually caring and vibrant community. Having women on board can help that enormously,” he says. “At the Mission we try to support the building of good community on ships in every way we can.”
When asked whether he would encourage his grandchildren to become seafarers, Andrew responds that his daughter was a seafarer for 13 years as a stewardess on superyachts. While he concedes that superyachts might be a different world, it still brought challenges, including long contracts far from home and family. “Like so many seafarers, she experienced many highs and so much about the job was rewarding. However, there were also many lows. There were times of acute stress and loneliness as well as times of great community and good fun.
“We walked with her through it all, just as so many seafaring families do. Yes, we must never forget that there is much that is deeply fulfilling about being at sea. It is certainly not all bad. So, yes, a great career and one that I would most certainly support – but one requiring a very special kind of approach, attitude and personal resilience. I will be speaking with my grandchildren!”
Supportive future for seafarers
Andrew acknowledges the emotional difficulty of leaving the Mission and the many people he has met over the years. However, he expresses confidence that the organisation is in good hands and that he will continue to connect with seafarers through his new role as an on- board chaplain.
His parting message to seafarers is one of gratitude and recognition. “You are all doing an amazing job,” he says. “Even though you may feel invisible to a world that is totally dependent on you, you are heroes and heroines. I think that the pandemic helped people realise that. I hope that you will become more and more visible over time.
“The reason we still give away so many woolly hats (and I love seeing them when on board ship) is because they are signs of love and care from so many who take the trouble to knit them and deliver them. So never forget the respect and love and gratefulness which there is for you from so many.”
The Mission, he adds, remains a steadfast advocate for seafarers’ wellbeing, regardless of nationality or faith. Andrew concludes with a quote from the Book of Joshua, offering words of encouragement and strength: “Be strong and of good courage. Be not frightened or dismayed. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
