AoS helps seafarers stranded at Newport docks

AoS helps seafarers stranded at Newport docks

Seafarers’ charity Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) provided support for a group of seafarers who were left stranded on board their ship for more than three months at Newport docks.

Barbara Thomas, AoS ship visitor in Cardiff visited the ship, Sunflower E, regularly to provide them with material, spiritual and emotional support.

“I spent time speaking to the crew about their concerns, their families and ensuring they had the means to make contact with home. Although food was provided, I brought food for a diabetic crew member,” she said.

The Sunflower E, an Italian cargo ship, was detained at Newport in March after legal claims were made against it. The crew from Philippines, Indonesia and Romania, had also not been paid their wages since January.

Barbara said that one Filipino crew member was seriously ill on arrival at the port and ended up having chemotherapy in hospital.

“I visited him there and used my contacts with some of the local Filipino community to see him regularly before he was flown home,” she said, adding that they also helped the rest of the crew with cash, gifts and meals.

When the ship’s boiler broke down, Barbara arranged for the crew to have hot showers at the YMCA in Newport.

“The crew were on a rollercoaster of emotions as promises of ‘good news tomorrow’ always seemed to be ‘tomorrow’ and the longer they were stranded, the more disheartened they became,” said Barbara.

“Visits became increasingly important to them and a chance for them to vent their feelings was vital in keeping them going. They were assured that they were not forgotten and that everything possible was being done and would be done to help them.”

AoS also provided the crew £500, a grant from The Guild of Benevolence of the IMarEST. The donation allowed them a little pocket money after so long without.

The crew have since returned home and are reunited with their families. In an email, one crew member writes, “I am home now. It was quite a long flight but worth it because I'm with my family right now.

“One good thing that’s come out of me being stuck for three and a half months was I found friends and met good people like you. I will always remember and cherish all the good things you've done to all of us. Thank you so much.”

In ports across Great Britain, AoS port chaplains and ship visitors go on board ships to support seafarers in need.

On July 12, churches across the country will celebrate Sea Sunday a day to thank seafarers, their families and the people who support them. For more information on Sea Sunday visit http://www.apostleshipofthesea.org.uk/sea-sunday

The Guild of Benevolence is a charity granting assistance to persons from the marine community and their dependents. Its main beneficiaries are certificated marine engineers worldwide. More information about them can be found at http://www.imarest.org/about-imarest/the-guild-of-benevolence

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