The Revd Dr Paul Burt, The Mission to Seafarers Port Chaplain and Regional Director, The Gulf and India; with abandoned seafarers Jornito and Zaude in UAE in June 2014.
Zaude Paolo Bandivas wins ‘Seafarer of the Year’ accolade at the Lloyd’s List Middle Eastand Indian Subcontinent Awards for his bravery after spending two and half years abandoned in port.
Filipino seafarer, Zaude Paolo Bandivas, has been named as Seafarer of the Year at the Lloyd’s List Middle East and Indian Subcontinent Awards, presented at the Armani Hotel Dubai on Wednesday 9 December 2015.
As an able bodied seaman Zaude was working on an anti-piracy vessel based in the Middle East when the owner of the vessel abandoned it and left him stranded. He and a fellow crew member were left unpaid and often without supplies for a number of months.
A long, complex and protracted contractual dispute and mediation ensued but after two and a half years he was repatriated, thanks in large to the work of The Mission to Seafarers.
The Seafarer of the Year Award recognises skill, bravery and professionalism being demonstrated on a daily basis. The award celebrates instances of leadership, courage and vision while serving at sea. It is an acknowledgement of the seafarers whose tireless dedication is essential for the maritime industry.
The Revd Dr Paul Burt, Regional Director for The Mission to Seafarers, The Gulf and India, said: “Zaude exemplifies everything that is courageous about seafarers around the world. He is patient, he is calm, and above all, he believed that with careful negotiations, he would be able to secure the pay he was in desperate need of, and get home safely. The Mission visited Zaude regularly and made essential supplies and subsistence finance available to him when he needed it most. The other ships in the local port also took him under their wing, as there was no air conditioning or power for cooking, in over 50 degrees heat. He joined neighbouring vessel crews for meals and essential company through these long dark days.
I am truly thankful that we were able put pressure on the disputing parties and help bring this matter to a resolution eventually. This case highlights the real plight and suffering of seafarers who are abandoned in port, but feel that they must stay on board to ensure that their pay is duly handed over to them for their families are depending on them back home. I am delighted and honoured to have met Zaude.”
To see the full list of Lloyd’s List Middle East and Indian Subcontinent Awards winners please visit:
https://ibiawards.com/
