A special service was held yesterday (August 18th) for the crew of the P&O Ferries ro-ro vessel on which a container was found with 35 stowaways at Tilbury port.
The discovery has left the crew of the Norstream distressed and seafarers’ charity Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) is supporting them.
AoS Tilbury port chaplain Wojciech Holub said crew members were anxious and stressed following the incident, in which one person died.
“A team of chaplains said Mass and conducted a blessing on board following requests from the mainly Filipino crew, ” said Wojciech.
Work on the vessel stopped for an hour while the service was conducted.
“We trust that the service has brought peace, strength and comfort to the crew. After the service we spoke with the crew and the captain handed us a note thanking us for our support and for conducting the service, ” said Wojciech.
Recognising and responding to the needs of seafarers is part of AoS’ pastoral care. AoS deploys its chaplains in Britain’s largest ports, including Tilbury, where thousands of seafarers visit each year.
The Apostleship of the Sea, AoS, is a registered charity and agency of the Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of England & Wales and Scotland. It is wholly reliant on voluntary donations and legacies to continue its work.
90% of world trade is transported by sea, and more than 100, 000 ships visit British ports each year. However the life of a modern seafarer can be dangerous and lonely, with harsh working conditions. AoS chaplains and ship visitors provide seafarers with pastoral and practical assistance regardless of nationality, belief or race.
For more information contact John Green, Director of Development on 020 7012 8607 or 07505653801 or email johngreen@apostleshipofthesea.org.uk
www.apostleshipofthesea.org.uk
