Flying Angel News
News from The Mission to Seafarers | Summer 2012 | Issue 5
Caring for seafarers around the world Charity numbers: 212432 / SC039211
Delivering maritime ministry beyond the next horizon
IN THIS
• In memory of the Revd Tom Heffer
• Flying Angel Ride raises £32,000
ISSUE
• Chair of trustees outlines future plans
• Stunning photos go on sale for MtS
• Chaplains trained in post-piracy care
• ‘Miracle Mani’ survives 18 hours in sea
MtS special events 2012 Annual Service 27th September
St Michael Paternoster Royal, London Join us as we give thanks to seafarers around the globe, and take time to reflect on our theme for 2012, isolation. Humanitarian and author Terry Waite was held captive in Beirut after travelling there as a Church of England envoy in 1987. He will be speaking about his own experiences of isolation. The service is followed by a buffet lunch at Skinners’ Hall. Tickets are free, and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Annual National Service for Seafarers 10th October
St Paul’s Cathedral, London After this annual service at the magnificent St Paul’s Cathedral, we invite you to join us for a reception followed by a champagne fish and chip supper nearby. Attendance to the ANSS is free. Tickets for the reception are priced at £10 and tickets for the reception and champagne fish and chip supper are £30. Tickets for this event are extremely limited – please contact us to enquire about availability.
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols December
St Michael Paternoster Royal, London Kick off this year’s Christmas festivities by attending our popular carol concert, followed by mulled wine and mince pies at Skinners’ Hall. Enjoy readings from our VIP guests – previous readers have included HRH The Princess Royal, Peter Snow and Pam Rhodes. Tickets are priced at £27.50.
Find out more about these events at: www.missiontoseafarers.org/special-events. To enquire about tickets, please contact Katherine Wylie on 020 7246 2939 or by email: Katherine.wylie@ missiontoseafarers.org. If your company is interested in sponsoring one of these events, please get in touch with Tara Fox on 020 7246 2980.
Flying Angel News is published by The Mission to Seafarers President: HRH The Princess Royal Chairman: Robert Woods CBE Acting Secretary General: Martin Sandford
Caring seafarers Founded in 1856 and entirelyfor funded by voluntary donations, the around the world Mission to Seafarers offers emergency assistance, practical support, numbers:visiting 212432 / SC039211 and a friendly welcome toCharity crews 250 ports around the world. Whether caring for victims of piracy or providing a lifeline to those stranded in foreign ports, we are there for the globe’s 1.2 million merchant seafarers of all ranks, nationalities and beliefs.
St Michael Paternoster Royal, College Hill, London EC4R 2RL Tel: +44 (0)20 7248 5202 Fax: +44 (0)20 7248 4761 Email: fan@missiontoseafarers.org Website: www.missiontoseafarers.org Cover photo: Jamie Smith
In the UK, The Mission to Seafarers is a charitable company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales, number: 6220240, registered charity no: 1123613. The Mission to Seafarers Scotland Limited is a company limited by guarantee, registered in Scotland, number: 389483, registered charity in Scotland: SCO41938. Registered office: 109 Avalon Gardens, Linlithgow Bridge, Linlithgow, West Lothian, EH49 7PL.
Contents
In this issue...
From The
Mission to Seafarers
Caring for seafarers around the world Charity numbers: 212432 / SC039211
Since the last issue of Flying Angel News, The Mission to Seafarers suffered a grievous loss after our Secretary General, the Revd Tom Heffer, died suddenly at the age of 43. Tom was the Mission’s 15th international leader and had spent much of his priesthood at the service of seafarers. He was a man motivated by his faith to make a difference and was driven by a desire to redefine maritime ministry so that it remained relevant and effective. The news of Tom’s death has shocked the maritime industry and the world-wide MtS family, but we take comfort in the remarkable legacy he has left as we continue to reach out to seafarers across the globe. As Secretary General, Tom developed a strategy called Delivering Maritime Ministry Beyond the Next Horizon. It ensures that the Mission adapts to the changing shipping patterns, so that our services are appropriate to seafarers’ needs and in the ports where the need is greatest. In some areas, this has meant moving operations from one country to another. In others, centres have been transformed or replaced with mobile ministries, where chaplains take the ‘centre’ to the ships. The Mission to Seafarers is committed to taking this strategy forward and completing the work so skilfully set in place. As you read this issue of Flying Angel News, we hope that you will be inspired to make or renew a commitment to MtS. As well as all the usual features, we invite you to read with interest the plans we have for ensuring that seafarers the world over receive access to the facilities and welfare services that they have come to expect from the Flying Angel. Through your kind donations, and continuing support, The Mission to Seafarers will be able to fulfil Tom’s vision to deliver maritime ministry beyond the next horizon.
In memory of 2 Tom Heffer Remembering the life and achievements of MtS Secretary General the Revd Tom Heffer, who died in April 2012.
Beyond the next horizon
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MtS chair of trustees Robert Woods reviews the Mission’s achievements in the service of seafarers, and outlines future plans.
Global ministry in focus
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News from our chaplains in Scotland, Brazil and the United Arab Emirates.
Flying Angel Ride
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Our flagship annual cycling event raises £32,000, thanks to some brilliant participants and sponsors
Fundraising news 8 Ports around the world 10 Piracy update 12 Interview with... 13
www.missiontoseafarers.org
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In memory of Tom Heffer T
“Tom was driven by a desire to redefine maritime ministry so that it remained relevant and effective to the modern seafarer. The Trustees will greatly miss his enthusiasm, intelligence and energy. He has left a lasting legacy, one which we will strive to honour and cultivate as we take his vision of delivering maritime ministry beyond the next horizon.”
Robert Woods, Chairman MtS
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he Revd Tom Heffer committed his life to caring for the men and women of the merchant marine. As Secretary General of the worldwide Mission to Seafarers (MtS), he redefined the Anglican Communion’s response to the maritime community by ensuring that the Mission’s services in over 250 ports were relevant to the needs of the modern seafarer. He transformed the organisation’s ministry from a friendly welcome in a foreign port to championing access to post-trauma counselling for those who have suffered the devastating effects of capture and hostage by Somali pirates. Thomas Patrick Heffer was born in 1969 and educated at the Aylesbury Grammar School in Buckinghamshire. The son of a clergyman, Tom was brought up in a traditional Anglican home and so it was perhaps a natural progression that he would go on to King’s College, London to read Divinity. After graduating from university, Tom felt sure that he was to devote his life to the service of others by becoming a priest. To test his calling, he volunteered as a chaplain’s assistant in the ports of New Orleans and Singapore. This work brought him into contact with seafarers of all nationalities and faiths and saw him visiting crews and helping them to bridge the gap between port and home. “The placement taught me that maritime ministry comes in different forms,” said Tom during an interview in 2009 when he took office as Secretary General. “Sometimes, all that was required was a friendly chat with a crew member. Other times it meant driving a group of seafarers 30 miles at one in the morning to purchase a television when the ship was leaving at two. Most importantly, it taught me that the most important aspect of the work is trying to show the love of God to everyone I meet.” Returning to the United Kingdom in 1993, Tom joined Cuddesdon Theological College a year later. He was ordained in Norwich Cathedral in 1996 and became a priest in 1997 after serving his curacy in Sprowston, a suburb of Norwich. In 1998, Tom joined the staff of the Bishop of Norwich and served for three years as bishop’s chaplain and press officer to the Rt Revd Peter Nott and then the Rt Revd Graham James. However, despite enjoying this role, he felt a strong calling to return to maritime ministry. In 2001 Tom joined the international headquarters of MtS as ministry secretary. For eight years, he line-managed the organisation’s chaplains in stations as close as Tilbury and as far away as Singapore and Hong Kong. He reaffirmed links with the Church of England and ensured that chaplains were properly trained to deal with isolation, shipwreck and the loneliness many mariners face whilst spending up to a year away from their homes and families. He also found time to pursue further education, completing a Masters in Canon Law from the University of Wales, Cardiff in 2002. On the retirement of the Revd Canon Bill Christianson, Tom fitted naturally into the
Flying Angel News | The Magazine of The Mission to Seafarers | Summer 2012 | Issue 5
Remembering Tom Heffer position of Secretary General. He was the 15th international leader in the organisation’s history and, at just 40 years of age, he was also one of the youngest. Tom’s energy and enthusiasm reshaped the organisation to make it fit for the 21st century. During an interview on taking office, he said: “At its best, the Mission demonstrates faith in action – a channel through which seafarers can access practical assistance from people who are motivated by their faith.” Tom began his tenure by leading MtS through a significant period of change. His five-year Beyond the Next Horizon strategy envisaged a dynamic and resourceful ministry which combined practical and spiritual support for seafarers at the point of greatest need with international advocacy to push for change at the highest levels. Under his leadership, the Mission redeveloped existing operations and made sure that its services followed changing shipping routes, so that seafarers arriving in new port hubs had access to communication facilities, family liaison, advice and counselling, spiritual support and recreation. Tom actively championed the rights of seafarers, and regularly called on the international community to ensure it had the necessary procedures in place to care for crews released from pirates. He vigorously reminded the shipping industry that its duty of care extended to more than just a cup of tea and a plane ticket home for a released sailor. The Revd Tom Heffer was a man motivated by his faith to make a difference in the world. Despite his short time as Secretary General, he has left an impressive legacy on which to build a modern and effective organisation. He will be remembered for his strong Christian leadership, his energy, wit and charm.
The Beyond the Next Horizon Fund Many people have asked how they can make donations to the Mission in remembrance of Tom, and in recognition of his pioneering work in the field of seafarers’ welfare. In response, we have created the Beyond the Next Horizon memorial fund, named after Tom’s five-year vision for the Mission, which will help enable us to take forward his vision of a dynamic and responsive ministry which is there for seafarers when they need us most. For many crews, the chance to relax in a Flying Angel centre or a lift into town on an MtS minibus is the only contact they will have with the outside world during their long voyages at sea. With your continued support, we can ensure our chaplains are on the dockside waiting for the ships to berth. You can make a donation to the Beyond the Next Horizon Fund online at: www. justgiving.com/beyond-the-next-horizon. Or cheques, marked ‘Beyond the Next Horizon Fund’, can be sent to: The Mission to Seafarers, FREEPOST KE5265, London EC4B 4EP.
“Tom was a man of great passion and commitment. He lived the Good News of God’s love in Christ, and in his leadership of the Mission to Seafarers was committed to building creative and effective ways for that love to be known to men and women working in some of the most challenging circumstances. Many will be affected by this tragic news, and Tom will long be remembered around the world for his warmth, kindness and enthusiasm. Tom leaves behind a great legacy which will inspire many to continue that ministry of love and care in his memory.”
The Most Revd and Rt Hon Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury “The Mission to Seafarers is one of worldwide shipping’s most effective and important charities. What Mr Heffer did to promote the Mission to Seafarers cannot be underestimated, nor can his dedication, great achievements and humour.”
Lloyd’s List “Tom was a warm and caring person. Seafarers have lost a true and great friend.”
Roger Harris, the International Committee on Seafarers’ Welfare
A message of thanks “Abi and I have been deeply touched by the many kind messages of condolence and sympathy we have received following Tom’s death. We have taken great comfort from people sharing their memories and anecdotes, and have been moved by people’s genuine sadness and affection towards Tom. The Mission to Seafarers was a huge part of Tom’s life and we are sincerely grateful to everyone for their support, love and prayers.” Roz and Abi Heffer www.missiontoseafarers.org
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Beyond the Next Horizon Robert Woods, Chairman of the MtS Board of Trustees, writes...
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The death of Tom Heffer has left a tragic hole in the life and work of the Mission to Seafarers, but the Trustees and staff of MtS are committed to carrying forward Tom’s strategy. This important work must continue if we are to succeed in our objective of caring for seafarers in the 21st century. As an interim measure, we have appointed our executive director Martin Sandford to the role of Acting Secretary General. Martin has been with the Mission for four years and is responsible for the management of all lay staff at International Headquarters. We are grateful to Martin for taking on this additional responsibility and I would encourage everyone connected with MtS to give him all the support he needs. The five-year strategy which Tom created focuses on MtS adapting to the changing patterns of the shipping industry so that our services are in the locations where they are most needed. The Trustees and senior management team believe Tom’s vision is correct, and his plan will continue to inform our operations over the coming years. In this issue of Flying Angel News, I wanted to give you, our committed supporters, an update on the four-point strategy and the significant progress we have made since starting this programme of work:
• MtS joined the pan-industry endorsement of Best Management Practices (version 4), which gives detailed guidance on anti-piracy measures, and actively promoting its use through our seafarers’ centres. • We have rolled out an international training programme for chaplains to act as first responders to seafarers who have been held hostage or attacked by pirates. • As well as piracy, MtS has discussed a range of other issues affecting crews. We have held meetings with various governments regarding legislation including the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code and the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, and given presentations to Government of Bahamas officials on the importance of allowing seafarers to access welfare facilities. We also submitted papers for discussion at the IMO on post-piracy care and the importance of a properly implemented ship safety management code.
Our international network
1. To offer practical help and spiritual support at the point of greatest need • We have successfully remodelled our ministries in South Shields, Port Talbot, Portbury and our ports on the Humber (Hull, Immingham and Goole). We have developed new models of operation, working in close partnerships with other organisations linked to seafarers’ welfare, so that these ports now offer an ecumenical ship-visiting programme. • In Maputo, Mozambique, we have restored a chaplaincy that had been suspended because of the many years of civil war. Future plans: We will continue to monitor our work so that it remains relevant to the needs of seafarers. In 2012, we will be looking at our operations in Rotterdam and Dunkirk as well as our presence across South Wales to ensure we are serving seafarers in the most effective way. 2. To provide advocacy services and campaign for changes which improve seafarers’ lives • One of the biggest issues facing the industry at present is that of piracy off the coast of Somalia and the wider Indian Ocean. The Mission to Seafarers has campaigned vigorously for better levels of protection to seafarers transiting the high risk areas and spoken out through the media and at the London Conference on Somalia, organised by the British Government. • Following interviews with seafarers visiting our centre in Mombasa, MtS became the first maritime ministry to call for seafarers working in the high risk area to be protected by trained, authorised armed guards. 4
We have a presence in more than 250 ports to help seafarers in need. Th services around the world. We also have honorary ministries in more tha
Flying Angel News | The Magazine of The Mission to Seafarers | Summer 2012 | Issue 5
• As a recognised provider of welfare services, the international community regularly seeks advice and guidance from MtS to support seafarers working on their ships. In 2011 we continued to contribute to the training of Liberian Flag State Inspectors. • Continuing to support our chaplains and volunteers in the field with education and training courses, which included managing aggression and dealing with drugs and alcohol so that they are equipped to deal with seafarers suffering these problems. 3. To increase sources of funding to achieve a balanced budget • MtS has launched a new website at www.missiontoseafarers. org to tell supporters and seafarers who we are, how they can support us and where help can be accessed. • A new-look Flying Angel News has given our regular donors more information about how we spend their money. The publication has a print run of nearly 30,000 and is sent to every person who donates to The Mission to Seafarers. • 174,000 copies of The Sea were distributed through our network of chaplains and seafarers’ centres. • 955 Sea Sunday packs were provided to supporters, honorary
preachers and speakers, with hundreds more downloaded from the Mission’s dedicated Sea Sunday website. Future plans: As a worldwide Mission we plan to expand our international fundraising. Through the MtS International project, we aim to strengthen our links with local communities, government and industry in the countries where seafarers benefit most from our work, and so increase our income from these areas. 4. To optimise the use of resources The Board of Trustees has made a significant investment in key departments to reinvigorate the profile of the organisation and to raise vital funds. Four posts have been created to lead our corporate partnership initiative, community fundraising activity, statutory funding and trust work and the direct mail and legacy programme. At the end of December 2011, Nicky Wynne, our director of development was appointed to provide strategic leadership of our fundraising, marketing and communications functions. None of this work was possible without the continuing generosity of you, our supporters. As we strive to deliver maritime ministry fit for the modern seafarer, I wish to thank you in advance for your prayers, donations and time in helping us to meet our objectives.
Centre, MtS ‘Flying Angel Club’ Centre, MtS with partners MtS shipvisiting and counselling
he map above shows our centres and shipvisiting an 100 ports, on hand to help in an emergency.
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Global ministry in focus Scottish ports, UK T
he Mission to Seafarers Scotland has a vast remit covering all 84 commercial ports around the Scottish coast in the UK. Its small team consists of development manager Commander Jim Mcrae and chaplain the Revd Tim Tunley, supported by a dedicated pool of volunteers. By being prepared to travel significant distances, and working closely with other agencies across Scotland, they provide a strong network of welfare support for seafarers in need anywhere around the Scottish coast.
MtS Scotland covers 84 commercial ports. Below are some key locations.
(R-L): Jim Mcrae, Tim Tunley and their shipvisiting team.
A mobile ministry The Revd Tim Tunley joined the Mission in 2009 and operates a mobile ministry around Scotland, with a busy schedule of ship visits to ports around the Scottish coast. What is the main problem seafarers come to you with? Separation from loved ones. Some of them are on nine, ten, or 11-month contracts, so they’re a long way from home for a long time. I met a Sierra Leonian crew member from Cape Town who had never seen his eight-month-old baby daughter. We arranged for the seafarer’s father to send me pictures of his daughter on the internet, and I printed them out and took them to him each week. He was this huge guy, and he used to cry over the pictures each week, which was terribly moving. One of the other issues that we quite often face is where there are officers from one nationality and ratings from another. Sometimes they get on really well, and sometimes they struggle to understand each other, and I think one of the things chaplains can do is to help lone and different nationals to share their experiences, and just talk about their lives together. Have you seen any new pressures on seafarers? The thing I’ve noticed more and more is ships being in port for shorter and shorter times. It’s not unusual for me to leave port on a Tuesday evening and come back on a Wednesday morning to find a tanker that wasn’t there last night preparing to leave. 6
Do you find that isolation is a big problem among seafarers? Yes. Strangely, I think the workers on the cruise ships suffer most from isolation because the ships are so much bigger. If you’re in a small crew on a cargo ship then you have to work together. But if you’re with 200 people, and you don’t get on with many of them, or you’re just unhappy, it’s easier to be overlooked. Somehow there seems to be less welfare in a larger crew. What are the biggest challenges you face? I do a lot of travelling. I travel about 25,000 miles a year in my car, as there are a lot of ports to cover. I think also trying to meet the challenges of some of the furthest ports, and identifying partners to work with. Do you work a lot with chaplains from other organisations? Yes. We work well together and I think that’s why the service we provide in Scotland is greater than the sum of the parts. We work with chaplains from Stella Maris, The Sailors’ Society and The Fishermen’s Mission, as well as volunteer chaplains. What’s been your most memorable experience? I once met a seafarer whose child was very ill back in the Philippines. At the time, I didn’t have a phone, or an internet connection at the port or anything, so I ended up bringing him back home, and he was able to go online, see his daughter who was getting a lot better, talk to his wife, talk to his grandmother, have a cup of tea, calm down, and go back to the ship. It’s that stuff that makes what we do so important.
Flying Angel News | The Magazine of The Mission to Seafarers | Summer 2012 | Issue 5
Ministry in focus
Suape, Brazil
Starting from scratch We meet the Revd Ariel Irrazábal Montero, who set up the Suape ministry. Has it been difficult creating a new MtS ministry in Suape? The most difficult thing initially was gaining a pass for access to the ships, and it has also been a challenge to make the public authorities within the port aware of our work with seafarers worldwide. What do you enjoy most about the job?
“Your work is very important to the welfare of seafarers visiting Suape. I hope it will continue.” Saverino Almeida, vicepresident, International Transport Workers’ Federation
The direct contact with the seafarers. Knowing their lives, their struggles and hopes. What kinds of problems do seafarers face?
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n 2009 we began work to create a new and much-needed MtS ministry in Suape, Eastern Brazil. The port had been identified as a key new location because it was undergoing rapid development, with planned expansion set to treble the port’s capacity, but no existing welfare services for seafarers. Led by chaplain the Revd Ariel Irrazábal Montero, the work to establish a Mission presence in the port took some months, with local bureaucracy and customs issues causing several hold-ups. Three years later, however, Ariel has developed a network of strong relationships with port workers, local unions and shipping companies, and has become a busy and well-respected presence in Suape. He now helps thousands of seafarers each year through ship visits, communication services, welfare support, transport and our Flying Angel centre.
The main problems of the sea are welfare, safety and working conditions. Suape is far from the city, so an important service we offer is to provide crews with access to medication when they need it, helping them to see a doctor or get to a pharmacy. Has anything surprised you about the work? It has been a real learning experience to support and spiritually accompany people with great cultural and religious differences. What do you hope to achieve in the next three years? My first goal is to consolidate the chaplaincy; secondly I plan to create a local committee for the support of seafarers, and finally I am working to develop and implement a code of ethics for the Brazilian merchant marine officers.
Fujairah, UAE T
he Mission’s Flying Angel launch is the only vessel of its kind in the world. It brings vital supplies and communication facilities to up to 100 ships in the world’s second largest anchorage off the coast of Fujairah, UAE. Ships can be moored there for weeks or months with no access to shore, and due to the port’s proximity to the Indian Ocean it’s not uncommon for visiting seafarers to have suffered the
terror of pirate attack and be suffering posttraumatic stress. Others can be depressed, lonely or the victims of bullying. Since it was launched in 2007, the boat has served more than 80,000 seafarers. It operates seven days a week, welcoming around 75 crew members a day, and houses a library, an internet café, satellite phones, a duty free shop and counselling services through a resident chaplain.
“Brilliant, just brilliant! Please come back soon!” A Danish master
“It’s an amazing service we offer to seafarers and so important. I’ve dreamed of doing this job since I joined MtS.” New Fujairah chaplain Geoff Moore www.missiontoseafarers.org
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Fundraising news flying angel ride is a fantastic fundraiser
“Caring for hundreds of thousands of seafarers a year, the Mission is known by all of us who work in the industry and V.Ships are happy to have sponsored this year’s event.” Malcolm Willingale, Group Communications for V.Ships “By entering such a large team we have not only raised thousands of pounds to help seafarers globally, but have also strengthened office relationships with this great team building exercise!” David Barrow, Area Manager for Lloyd’s Register “A wonderful time was had by all at the Mission to Seafarers’ flagship event. The Maersk Company was delighted to sponsor the BBQ afterwards, it gave us all a chance to celebrate hard working seafarers across the world.” Claire Sneddon, Corporate Communications Manager at The Maersk Company
Photos: David Freeman.
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n Sunday 27 May, a team of eager cyclists took to the roads of the New Forest to raise over £32,000 for the Mission to Seafarers. Teams from the International Maritime Organization, Lloyd’s Register, V.Ships, The Maersk Company, AB Ports, DP World, and UMC all took on the challenge of our famous Flying Angel Ride, with the choice of either a 35- or a 75-mile route around one of the UK’s most stunning areas of natural beauty. Beginning at Brockenhurst in the heart of the New Forest, cyclists rode through the picturesque villages of Beaulieu and Lyndhurst, with the longer distance group continuing through Fordingbridge and Hyde. First to return from the 75 mile route 8
was 15 year-old Hugo Walters, closely followed by his father Patrick Walters and teammates. MtS Director of chaplaincy The Revd Canon Huw Mosford, who completed the 35-mile route with his wife Susan, said: “It was a really wonderful day. The sun was shining, the scenery was beautiful and although the ride wasn’t all easy, it was great fun. We’re so delighted that so many people were prepared to take on this challenge for the Mission to Seafarers. I look forward to the next one!” The event was sponsored by Lloyd’s Register and V.Ships, with a post-event BBQ funded by The Maersk Company.
Flying Angel News | The Magazine of The Mission to Seafarers | Summer 2012 | Issue 5
Partnerships Community news
Stunning photography from a life at sea goes on sale for MtS
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selection of original photographs from four years spent sailing the globe have gone on sale in aid of the Mission to Seafarers. Photographers Claudiu and Delta Muntean have generously donated some of the finest images from their travels to help fund services for seafarers in need around the world. The sale was launched at an exhibition at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on 26th April, at the invitation of the Plymouth Nautical Degree Association and The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers. Claudiu said: “I spent nearly four years on different cruise ships, working as a photographer, traveling and seeing more places than I could ever dream of. I’ve seen the sea at its best and at its worst, I had good times and bad times and now I find myself missing the sea. The sea has given me a lot and when I was approached by the Mission with the idea of this exhibition, I was both thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to share my photography and give something back.” The remaining sale images can be viewed at www.missiontoseafarers.org/ photo-sale. If you would like to purchase a print, please contact Tara Fox on 020 7246 2980.
Do you have time to spare? Do you have time to spare during the summer holidays? Know anyone looking for valuable work experience before starting university or college? Or do you know someone with time on their hands who would be willing to donate it to The Mission to Seafarers? We have volunteering and work experience placements throughout the summer and all year round at our historic central London office, just minutes from London Bridge & Cannon Street stations. We need help with various projects, large and small... no matter how much or how little time you can spare, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact our community fundraising team on 020 7248 5202 to find out more.
Special donations wanted! Do you have a country house you could donate for a weekend? Are you friends with a sporting star or celebrity who could attend a dinner for us? Do you have theatre tickets for a show you are unable to go to? Please consider sharing them with the Mission! We are looking for luxury items and ‘money can’t buy’ experiences for the MtS auction, which we hope will raise lots of money to help us continue to provide our services around the globe. We are also looking for speakers to attend various events. If you think you can help us, then please call Katherine Wylie on 020 7246 2939.
Adventure for the Mission! London to Paris Join the ‘Flying Angels’ as they ride from South London all the way to Paris. This five-day trip is fast becoming a UK favourite.
Trip dates: 15-19 August and 5-9 September
Kilimanjaro Take on the challenge of a lifetime in Tanzania! Climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro to experience some of the world’s most breathtaking views.
Various dates are available from October 2012 to June 2013. To book your place now, call Katherine Wylie on 020 7246 2939 or email: Katherine.wylie@ missiontoseafarers.org
www.missiontoseafarers.org/events www.missiontoseafarers.org
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Ports around the world Falmouth: support for rescued sailor
S. Africa: Jojo gets a taste of home
hen a lone sailor had to be rescued by helicopter from a force nine gale, Falmouth MtS was on hand to care for him. Exhausted, soaking wet, and having not slept all night, Peter was collected by the Revd Mark Mesley and taken to our Flying Angel Centre to recover. Mark arranged warm clothes and toiletries, found him accommodation for the night, and booked Peter’s flight home to Jersey. The following morning, he drove Peter to Exeter airport to see him off. He received an email from Peter that evening, thanking him for all his help. Peter’s boat washed up on the South Devon coast the following day.
ur team in Richards Bay has been helping an injured seafarer feel a bit closer to home by arranging for Filipino food to be delivered to him in hospital. Jojo broke both his ankles in a dramatic fall from a ship’s crane and had to spend two months in hospital, where MtS staff visited him. Hearing that Jojo was struggling with South African food, they decided to approach Filipino crews during ship visits, and ask them to cook an extra plate of food for their friend in hospital. The crews gladly obliged, and every 2-3 days Jojo’s recovery was made a little easier by the taste of home.
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The Revd Mark Mesley at the dockside in Falmouth.
Bristol: help for scalded engineer
Halifax: lifeline for stranded crew
seafarer who was badly burned in an incident off the UK coast has been supported through his recovery thanks to the combined efforts of our teams in Falmouth and Bristol. Julius, a ship’s engineer from the Philippines, suffered 9% burns to his face and arms after he was scalded in an engineroom accident. From Falmouth A&E he was transported to the specialist burns unit in Bristol, where our chaplain John Herbert visited regularly, chatting to him and prayign with him. He also brought a power converter so that Julius could use his phone to keep in touch with his family at home.
alifax MtS recently supported a crew stranded on a detained ship. Although the seafarers could see the shore, they were not able to leave their ship, spending 36 days stuck out at anchor with few fresh supplies. MtS centre manager Maggie Whittingham-Lamont and volunteer Richard Fox arranged a launch to go out to the ship, bringing fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, milk and a big box of donuts! They also gave the crew mobile phones so they could contact their loved ones. When the ship was finally brought alongside, Maggie was there at the dockside to welcome the weary sailors.
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Chaplain Maggie WhittinghamLamont chats to seafarers in Halifax.
Hong Kong: ‘Miracle Mani’ survives 18 hours lost at sea
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ur chaplain in Hong Kong, the Revd Stephen Miller, was shocked recently to meet a seafarer who had survived 18 hours alone in the sea between Hong Kong and Singapore. Mani, from South India, had gone out on deck to get some air after completing his shift in the engineroom, when he slipped on the wet deck and fell overboard. Fortunately he avoided the ship’s propeller, but Mani surfaced to see the vessel speeding away towards the horizon. His crewmates were totally 10
unaware of what had happened, and it was eight hours before they realised he was missing and returned to look for him. Thanks to the skill of the captain in retracing the ship’s path, and accounting for tide and current, they miraculously found Mani on their second attempt and rescued him. Despite 18 hours swimming in a cold sea, he was completely unharmed apart from a sore throat from swallowing seawater, and a grazed neck where his suit had rubbed. When Stephen met Mani in hospital,
he asked what had gone through his mind during the desolate hours alone in the water. Mani answered: “I kept praying to God that someone would come and get me. God heard my prayers. He has given me a new chance, a new life, and I will not waste it.” Stephen said, “We talked for a long time about life, new starts, new hope. Mani has now gone back home, he will spend a few months back in India, after which he will return back to the sea, this time keeping well away from the edge!”
Flying Angel News | The Magazine of The Mission to Seafarers | Summer 2012 | Issue 5
Port news
Port Giles: Flying Angel centre opens
We’re there...
(Right) Port Giles staff and volunteers collect the new MtS minibus. The team have already been working for 10 months without a centre, in which time they have welcomed 4,800 seafarers from 39 ships, taking 1,890 of them to local towns for shopping and leisure.
Night and day, we’re there for seafarers in more than 250 ports worldwide. Often, they have nowhere else to turn.
T
he Mission’s newest Flying Angel Centre in Edithburgh, South Australia, opened amidst great excitement on 22 April. More than 120 people attended the opening day, including Federal MP Rowan Ramsay, State MP Steven Griffiths and representatives of the local government and churches. The centre, on an isolated part of the Australian coast, features a social area, internet access, table tennis, billiards, a TV area and a small shop. The team have also recruited 25 potential volun-
teers to assist with their work, which has been well received by local towns. MtS lay chaplain Geoff Harrison, who runs the centre with his wife June, has been amazed by the support they have received from the local community. He said, “Although this mission is in its infancy it has achieved far more than was ever anticipated and is proving to be a wonderful blessing for not only the seafarers but for so many people in this community, ministry district and for June and me.”
Cape Town remembers ‘The man on the hill’
T
he Mission in Cape Town remembered heroic chaplain the Revd Bernard Wrankmore, who died in June 2011, with a service held on 6 June 2012. Bernard was Cape Town chaplain from 1963 to 1989, but was best known for the 67-day fast he undertook in 1971, to protest against apartheid and the unexplained death of a Muslim cleric in police custody. Imam Hadji Abdullah Haron, a leader in the Cape Town Muslim community, had died in detention. So disturbed was Bernard by the circumstances of Imam Haron’s death that, although he did not know him, he committed to fasting on Signal Hill outside the city, only drinking water and orange juice. On the 39th day he led a service to a crowd of more than 6,000, and on the 40th day several hundred people from many faiths – Christian, Muslim, Jewish and others – joined ‘the man on the hill’ in a day of prayers and talks, as a call to conscience for the city of Cape Town. In the following days, Bernard was surrounded with visitors and media attention. www.missiontoseafarers.org
When a seafarer is... • taken hostage by pirates our chaplains liaise with his family and offer counselling and post-trauma care when he is released. • shipwrecked the Mission is there with clothes, food, accommodation, safe refuge and that vital phone call home. • injured and alone in a foreign hospital our staff visit him, offer support and contact his families. • stranded without pay, with no food, money or ticket home, we provide for him and help with legal issues. • not paid by his company after many months at sea, we help negotiate with his employers and arrange legal or union advice.
However, he still felt the government’s response was insufficient and so continued his fast, being exhausted and emaciated. As attempts were made to persuade Bernard to come down, his wife flew to Pretoria to meet with the South African Prime Minister. On the 67th day, Bernard ended his fast, passing on the protest to the community that had developed around him. He went on to lead Cape Town MtS for another 18 years.
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• denied shore leave and unable to contact his family our ship-visitors take internetlinked laptops, phone cards and newspapers on board. • on a short turnaround with barely any time ashore, our staff arrange transport to a Flying Angel Club where he can socialise, have meals, contact his family and enjoy a break.
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Piracy update MtS trains chaplains in post-trauma counselling for piracy victims
W
hile combat stress and post-traumatic stress disorder are conditions commonly associated with veterans of conflict, many crews who transit the world’s piracy hotspots exist in the same state of anxious hyper-vigilance as troops fearing ambush at any time of day or night. Mission to Seafarers chaplains often report having helped distressed seafarers who have been affected by piracy to come to terms with what’s happened to them. In Mombasa, Michael Sparrow supports recently released hostages. In Tuticorin, Simon Dharmaraj counsels family members as they anxiously await news of their loved ones. In Dubai, seafarers frequently arrive filled with the terrors of a recent Indian Ocean crossing, having endured days in constant fear of imminent pirate attack. As far away as Hartlepool, a seafarer has sought out counselling from our staff to deal with his experience of Somali piracy. In short, the Mission is continuing to fill a much-needed gap in crew welfare. “The ones who are attacked but escape probably don’t get any counselling apart from when they talk to someone like me,” says the Mission’s chaplain in Mombasa, the Revd Michael Sparrow. “On occasions, seafarers are instructed not to talk to anybody. The order is given on board ‘don’t tell anyone what happened.’”
Revd Canon Ken Peters, director of justice and welfare at The Mission to Seafarers, says, “It’s a macho environment: seafarers like to be self-reliant and don’t want to be seen by colleagues or employers as ‘weak’ or ‘damaged’. If you let on that you have been affected by the experience, will crewing agencies hire you? Will they trust your reactions if you’re attacked again?” Dipendra, who endured an eightmonth hijacking in the Indian Ocean in May 2010, told in a recent interview how the only post-trauma support he received was a five-minute medical check-up. He said, “There are therapies for post-traumatic effects. They should have definitely provided them. It doesn’t matter how I am behaving. It might seem I’m sane, you know, and there’s nothing wrong with me, but you never know. It’s not just that you can’t sleep and you have nightmares and stuff like that. There’s a lot… I can never be the same Dipendra again that I was.” In order to offer the best possible support for seafarers who have been affected by piracy, The Mission to Seafarers is equipping its chaplains across the globe with the specific post-trauma counselling skills. Over the past two years, Mission chaplains have been steadily completing the International Critical Incident Stress
Foundation’s range of courses, led by Dr Marion Gibson. Her work on a humanitarian response to piracy is grounded in her experiences with veterans of the Vietnam war and survivors of the Northern Ireland Troubles. “It’s a psychological first-aid kit for those supporting individuals in disaster or crisis situations,” says Ken Peters. “It raises understanding of the reactions survivors have in the immediate aftermath, and gives guidance on communicating effectively with trauma victims. It also trains chaplains to make an initial assessment for referral to a more specialist service, if that is appropriate.” This latest development in the Mission’s service provision is just part of our work to deliver a dynamic and responsive ministry that develops to meet seafarers’ changing needs. “Our chaplains have, over the years, helped and supported hundreds of thousands through their problems,” says Ken Peters. “This latest development in our training will help to ensure that those who have suffered pirate-related problems receive the support they need.” Photos L-R: Many seafarers are in need of support after experiences of piracy; EU NAVFOR captures suspected pirates.
“Crews are deeply concerned for their safety when sailing through pirate infested waters. One container vessel’s captain related that he was only 20 miles away from a pirate attack in which two crew members were shot and killed while another crew member was shot but survived. The number of times the subject is raised is indicative of the fear faced daily around the coasts of Africa.” Ken Hawkins, executive director, MtS Seattle, USA 12
Flying Angel News | The Magazine of The Mission to Seafarers | Summer 2012 | Issue 5
Interview with...
Over 150 years of serving seafarers... Help us make it 250.
Martin Sandford
Acting Sectretary General Caring for seafarers around the world Charity numbers: 212432 / SC039211
Martin joined the Mission as executive director in 2008, following a long and successful career as a manager and director in the commercial sector. He is now acting Secretary General. How did you find it moving from a corporate environment to a 150-year-old charity? Quite challenging, because there was a different focus. What I was asked to do was essentially to look at effectiveness and efficiency to ensure we were making the best use of our resources. Some of the initial things I did were to outsource IT support and HR, and to bring together PR and fundraising. What does your job entail now? To carry on what Tom Heffer initiated by continuing to implement our Beyond the Next Horizon plan. And also presumably to review areas where changes beyond the Mission’s control mean you have to refocus?
By leaving a gift in your will to The Mission to Seafarers you can help us continue to carry out our vital work for many more years to come. If you are thinking of leaving a legacy gift, and would like more information on doing so, please complete this form and return it to the address below, or contact Rebecca Gebbie on 0207 246 2917 or by email: rebecca.gebbie@missiontoseafarers.org
I would like to find out more about leaving a gift in my will to The Mission to Seafarers. Contact details Mr/Miss/Mrs/Ms (please circle) First name........................................................ Surname.......................................................... Address............................................................ ......................................................................... ......................................................................... Postcode.......................................................... Tel.................................................................... Email................................................................ Please return to: Rebecca Gebbie, The Mission to Seafarers, St Michael Paternoster Royal, College Hill, London, EC4R 2RL.
Yes, because the basis of Beyond the Next Horizon was the global review conducted in 2007-2008. That was pre- the credit crunch and a lot has changed in terms of shipping patterns even in those four or five years, so that we are looking again at where the need is greatest for the services we offer. What would you say are the biggest challenges facing MtS? Threefold: firstly, delivering what seafarers need, where they need it most; secondly, marketing, and thirdly, fundraising. The trustees have agreed to us investing a fair proportion of the current reserves in developing into new ports and growing the activity of the Mission, and over the next 3-5 years we need to get to the point where we’re providing that on a balanced budget. We have some very generous, loyal and valued supporters, but in order to achieve our vision we also need to get our message to a wider donor base. I think the outlook’s pretty good. We have a development department which is functioning well under the leadership of Nicky Wynne, concentrating on new areas where we should be able to obtain funds. What are the Mission’s priorities? The important thing is to provide what seafarers need. Ministry doesn’t have to be centre-based – it can be mobile, it could be shipvisiting. The survey work that’s been done shows that the main things that seafarers want are communications, then transport, and then the ability to get away from their ship and spend some time with other people, maybe someone who can help them with their practical, spiritual or emotional/relationship problems, or enable them to attend a church service. So I don’t think the full answer is communication, because I think transport and human interaction are equally important. It surprised me when I heard a statistic of seafarers being three times as likely to commit suicide as people in other walks of life. That reflects the loneliness, the isolation that seafarers face, so I think that’s the issue we need to address, it’s not just communication with home. What do you most enjoy about the job? Solving problems! But the thing which makes it worthwhile, and is the ultimate reward is the feeling that we’re actually doing something that matters, that helps a disadvantaged sector of the world community who are invisible otherwise. www.missiontoseafarers.org
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How you can support us There are many ways in which you can support our work with seafarers around the world.
Find out more about getting involved Please tick the box below and fill out the contact details panel at the bottom of the page to find out more about: Taking part in an MtS challenge event Fundraising for MtS, or organising your own event/activity Remembering MtS in your will
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12th October 2012 Help us support seafarers around the world by wearing a woolly hat on Friday 12th October 2012. Whether you wear it to work, church, school, or even just around the house, everyone can take part, in return for a donation to the Mission. Taking part in Woolly Hat Day is a great way to raise awareness of the tough conditions seafarers face to bring us the goods, food and fuel we use every day.
or £.......................... (your chosen amount)
Date ......... /......... /..........
Woolly Hat Day
FC2012
We have an army of volunteer knitters making hats for our staff to give out at centres and on ship visits. Our chaplains say it never fails to amaze them how grateful seafarers are for this protection from the elements. We’d love it if you could get your workplace, school or club involved too. Taking part couldn’t be easier, simply register your name and we’ll send you a fundraising pack with lots of ideas. Each pack even includes a knitting pattern so you can knit your own hat! To find out more or register for a fundraising pack please contact Nicky Jackson on 07500 333190 or email nicola.jackson@missiontoseafarers.org