Flying Flying Angel Angel News News
News from The Mission to Seafarers | Winter 2013 | Issue 7
Looking forward: Mission moving ahead in 2013
IN THIS
ISSUE
• New Secretary General
• HRH meets supporters at Christmas
• Shipping’s “Wild West”
• Chaplains take to High Seas
• Mission responds to North Sea disaster
• Piracy update
f lying angel ride 28 april 2013 your n o t e g
bike
rers a f a e S o t n sio for The Mis
The Flying Angel Ride returns to the New Forest on 28 April. Join supporters and shipping colleagues as we cycle either 35 or 75 mile routes. Registration is ÂŁ25 and all funds go towards our global port-based welfare work. To sign up, call Katherine Wylie on 020 7246 2939 or email Katherine.Wylie@missiontoseafarers.org Flying Angel News is published by The Mission to Seafarers
missiontoseafarers.org/far2013 @flyingangelnews themissiontoseafarers Editor: Michael Keating (fan@missitontoseafarers.org) Cover credit: Jamie Smith
President: HRH The Princess Royal Chairman: Robert Woods CBE Acting Secretary General: Martin Sandford
Founded in 1856 and entirely funded by voluntary donations, The Mission to Seafarers offers emergency assistance, practical support, and a friendly welcome to crews visiting over 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 1.3 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 Facebook: themissiontoseafarers Twitter: @flyingangelnews
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: SC041938. Registered office: 109 Avalon Gardens, Linlithgow Bridge, Linlithgow, West Lothian, EH49 7PL.
Contents
From the
Acting Secretary General
In this issue... Welcoming Andrew Wright
Martin Sandford
An introduction to the Mission’s new Secretary General, who joins us in February
Dear Friends, Welcome to the Winter edition of Flying Angel News. We have just returned from Christmas, traditionally a time spent with family and friends. During this time we give thanks for what we have around us and exchange gifts with our loved ones.
Shipping’s Wild West
These simple acts are precious moments that the world’s seafarers, who help transport over 90 per cent of the goods we use each day, cannot take part in. As winter continues, please spare a thought for the seafarers who helped to deliver those presents, so that you could give them to those close to you.
Mission on the high seas
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our supporters who have helped us through a turbulent 2012. Without you, we would simply not be able to offer the vital welfare services that we run for seamen and women across the world.
Mission helps 10 Corvus J survivors
We have a packed calendar this year, including the Flying Angel Ride on 28th April, and a new date for our Annual Service, which will be on 23rd May this year. We will also launch an email edition of FAN in the Spring to keep you up to date with the Mission’s work throughout the year. If you would like to receive this, please send your name and email address to fan@missiontoseafarers.org or call our London office on 020 7248 5202.
Martin Sandford Acting Secretary General www.missiontoseafarers.org
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We talk to the Revd Andrew Huckett and Canon Colin Still about the Mission’s support work on cruise liners
2013 will be an important year for the Mission, and a busy one. I am delighted to announce that we have appointed the Revd Andrew Wright as our new Secretary General. Andrew, who joins us in February from the Fishermen’s Mission, has a deep understanding of our industry and our work, and his vision will take us forward in new and exciting ways.
With best wishes,
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Ben Bailey, our public affairs manager, speaks to seafarers in the Middle East and reports back with some troubling findings
Seafaring is a job not without risk. The sinking of the Baltic Ace, which claimed 11 lives, and the recent spate of kidnappings in Nigeria in December, are unfortunately just a couple of examples of the dangers that crews face on a daily basis.
It may be that you are new to the Mission’s work. Thanks to a recent partnership between The Mission to Seafarers and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, this edition of FAN has been delivered to the Balmoral, which is currently on a round-the-world trip. One of our chaplains, Canon Colin Still, is on board, offering support to passengers. If this is the first time you have seen a copy of FAN, welcome. I hope you find it to be an informative and eye-opening guide to the work that we do to support the world’s 1.3 million merchant seafarers, who face piracy, shipwreck, abandonment and isolation on a daily basis to help keep the world’s economy afloat.
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Mission chaplain the Revd Stephen Hazlett talks about his repsonse to the Corvus J collision
Mission news
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Fundraising news
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Piracy update
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Interview with...
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Mission news
First Mission Volunteers’ Conference a success
Mission staff alongside volunteers at our first Volunteers’ Conference
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he Mission would like to thank the volunteers and fundraisers that attended its first Volunteers’ Conference in London. The conference, attended by delegates from Mission groups across the UK, was a great chance for us to hear about the important work our volunteers have been doing, as well as a long-overdue opportunity to put some faces to names. Volunteers were also able to share their frontline knowledge
and expertise with other Mission groups facing similar issues. Staff from the Mission’s international headquarters ran workshops on fundraising, volunteer recruitment and media engagement, to help centres make use of their resources so that they can better support seafarers in their local ports and centres. Volunteers from Belfast, Cardiff, Falmouth, Hartlepool, Newport, North Tees, Port Talbot, South Shields and our Jersey and Scotland branches were in attendance. Michael Piercy, from Tees’ North, was just one of the attendees that found the conference “very interesting” and he even asked for homework, saying “It was really interesting to hear about community fundraising and volunteer recruitment. Please email me updates so that I know what to watch and what to read so that we can help the media to spread the word.” Martin Sandford, Acting Secretary General said: “We all learned so much from this weekend that we are going to do it all again. We are pleased to announce that we will be holding a follow-up event in 2013.” Materials from the event are available to committee members and volunteers on request. If you would like to see some of the presentations, or would like more information on our next event, do get in touch by emailing fan@missiontoseafarers.org.
Wrapathons share festive feeling with seafarers
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ission centres have been busy this winter, especially around the recent Christmas period. Volunteers from Falmouth to Fujairah took part in present wrapathons to help support seafarers who were away from their families. Penny Phillips, chair of the Mission centre in Falmouth, was up bright and early on Christmas Day morning with her team of volunteers to deliver 119 presents to the six ships in the port and on the River Fal. Mission volunteers were supported by representatives from the Apostleship of the Sea. Penny’s work for the Mission has recently been recognised by Falmouth Harbour Commissioners, who voted unanimously to award her the FHC Award for her contribution to harbour activities over the last year. The Falmouth team were heavily
Volunteers from the Falmouth centre were up bright and early on Christmas Day to deliver presents at the port involved in the MSC Flaminia crisis last July, helping care for the stricken ship’s crew and passengers after a fire on board claimed three lives.
New date for Mission’s Annual Service
T 2012’s Annual Service at St Michael Paternoster Royal 02
his year’s Annual Thanksgiving Service for seafarers, previously held at St Michael Paternoster Royal in September, will take place on 23 May 2013. The Annual Service sees The Mission to Seafarers and its supporters give thanks to seafarers for the largely unseen work that they do and the chaplains that support them. Last year’s event focused on isolation. A crowd of over 200 supporters, chaplains and shipping industry leaders listened to a fascinating address from humanitarian and author Terry Waite, who was held captive in Beirut for four years. For more information about this year’s Annual Service, please contact us on 020 7248 5202.
Flying Angel News | The Magazine of The Mission to Seafarers | Winter 2013 | Issue 7
News
Australian Missions awarded
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anon Dennis Claughton has won the Welfare Personality of the Year award at the International Committee on Seafarers’ Welfare (ICSW) International Seafarers’ Welfare Awards. Dennis collects his award The awards recognise Photo: ICSW and Chris Sowe the work of organisations and individuals providing support to seafarers across the world. Dennis, who runs the Flying Angel Club in Fremantle, on the west coast of Australia, plays an important role in the day-to-day lives of many seafarers visiting the port and is in charge of a local parish too. He also played a major role in Australia’s ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), due to come into force in August 2013, and he represented Australia at the convention’s signing in Geneva. Dennis was jointly awarded the prize with Fr. Giacomo Martino, who works for the Apostleship of the Sea in Italy.
Mission director becomes Serving Sister
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icky Wynne, the Mission’s director of development, was recently awarded the honour of becoming a Serving Sister of the Order of St John in a ceremony at the Priory Church of the Order of St Mission director of John. development Nicky Wynne Nicky was honoured by HM The Queen for her instrumental role in helping take her previous charity, The St John of Jersualem Eye Hospital Group, from a voluntary income of £750,000 a year to £4.5 million in just four years. Nicky was head of fundraising and marketing at St John and was heavily involved in supporting and developing the charity’s main eye hospital in Jersualem, its satellite centres in Hebron, Anabta and Gaza, and its mobile outreach clinics throughout the West Bank. Congratulations Nicky!
Festival brings Christmas cheer to Mission supporters
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he Mission’s annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols was a great success. The service was attended by our President, HRH The Princess Royal and many Mission supporters. Bible readings from key maritime figures including Dr John Meredith and Sir Timothy Laurence were supported by carols sung by St Michael’s Singers choir. Guests were also invited to a reception at Skinners’ Hall, sponsored by DP World, where many supporters met the Princess. A raffle was held on the night, drawn by Acting Secretary General Martin Sandford. The prize, a Lego Maersk container ship, was donated by The Maersk Company. Guests also left messages for loved ones on the Mission’s Tree Stars, which decorated the Christmas tree in St Michael Paternoster Royal. Martin said: “The Festival was a great opportunity for Mission supporters to mark the Christmas period. Without seafarers, we would not have the luxuries many of us enjoy over this season. “Because of your support, we can show seafarers on Christmas morning that their work is valued and that people care. It was fantastic to welcome our esteemed President HRH The Princess Royal and to see so many of our dedicated volunteers and supporters in one place, for one cause.” www.missiontoseafarers.org
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Andrew Wright joins The Mission to Seafarers
We are delighted to welcome the Revd Andrew Wright as our new Secretary General. Find out more about Andrew’s vision for the Mission here.
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he Mission to Seafarers has appointed the Revd A n d r e w Wr i g h t a s i t s n e w S e c r e t a r y G e n e r a l . Andrew joins us in February from the Fishermen’s Mission, where he was chaplain and director of operations. Andrew is already involved with the Mission as its honorary chaplain to the Isle of Wight. Robert Woods CBE, Chairman of The Mission to Seafarers said: “We are delighted that Andrew has agreed to join us and his appointment is crucial to the Mission’s future success.” “Andrew has impressed us with his ability to speak with clarity, purpose and good humour. He has developed considerable insights into seafaring issues and has built strong personal relationships across the maritime charity sector. He will provide essential inspirational strategic leadership to our mission chaplaincy teams in 258 ports in 71 countries around the world.” Andrew said: “I am deeply honoured to have been invited to take up the post of Secretary General at The Mission to Seafarers. I am very conscious of the rich heritage of the Mission and of the dynamic way in which its work has evolved in the 21st century. I will ensure that the Mission sustains its charitable purpose in a way which is faithful to its roots but which continues to show that openness to creativity and development which has been integral to its success over so many years, and which has won the admiration of so many, most especially those seafarers to whom the Mission means so much.” “Seafaring remains a very dangerous occupation. It brings long, long periods of absence from family. Welfare issues can too often be hidden by inaccessibility and the vastness of the seas. Crews once held so high in public esteem and imagination are now largely forgotten. I am determined to raise the profile of the Mission’s vital work, and to champion the welfare of the men and women that crew the merchant fleet as my driving priority.” “I believe in ‘Christianity with its sleeves rolled up’ and an action-based approach; I will aim for a measureable improvement for those who face a dangerous, frightening and lonely life at sea. I am looking forward to working with the dedicated Mission family of supporters and volunteers around the world, as well as with the shipping industry in all its many forms.” Andrew, 54, was born in Worcestershire and studied theology
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The Revd Andrew Wright, the new Secretary General of The Mission to Seafarers, joins us in February 2013 at The University of St Andrews before fulfilling ordination training at Ridley Hall. He was ordained at Liverpool Cathedral in 1984 and worked in areas of significant deprivation in Liverpool, Carlisle and Wigan. He also worked as chaplain, head of religious studies and housemaster at St Edward’s School in Oxford for 16 years. He joined the Fishermen’s Mission, also known as The Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen, in 2007 as Mission chaplain and director of operations. He is married to Julia with whom he has four children. His interests include sailing, writing, walking and cycling. What attracted you to working with the Mission? In recent years I’ve worked closely alongside the Mission, especially with Canon Huw Mosford and Canon Ken Peters, so I’ve been a fairly regular visitor. I’m immersed in the world of port chaplaincy and all its demands, so I’m ready for what will be involved. What do you think your approach will be? I’m a firm believer in the catchphrase of one of my former headmaster’s: “Any organisation that stands still goes backwards! Essentially, I’m aspiring to take on where Tom left off so suddenly and so tragically. I maintain a regular commitment to preaching and public speaking. It was once said that a sermon should “make you laugh, make you cry and make you think”; a structure I seek to emulate, although on my travels around the UK giving sermons I was once asked to “remove all humour” from my sermon! It’s clear that a key part of this role will be to speak effectively on maritime and Mission matters to help raise the profile of the issues affecting seafarers. Our crews, once held so high in the public esteem and imagination, are now largely forgotten. Yet wild seas remain untamed.
Flying Angel News | The Magazine of The Mission to Seafarers | Winter 2013 | Issue 7
Features
Shipping’s Wild West
Ben Bailey investigates the state of justice and welfare for seafarers in the Middle East and finds out how the Mission is supporting those affected by shady employment practices
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ince its early days, The Mission to Seafarers has been at the forefront of championing seafarers’ rights and reminding the shipping community of its obligations to protect those whom it employs from bad practice. 150 years after the Mission defeated the exploitative practices of crimpers, today’s Mission chaplains are assisting crews facing abandonment, abuse and non-payment of wages. Nowhere are these challenges being faced more than in the ports of the Middle East. Unions aren’t recognised, so it’s left to our chaplains and staff to provide assistance, and with at least three new cases a week, their workload is heavy. “We are owed three months’ wages and only receive fresh supplies when the shipowner remembers,” says a Filipino seafarer in Ras al-Khaimah, north of Dubai. “How are we supposed to wash or keep the ship clean? The shipowner says it’s expensive, but we need these things to live. The Mission has been the only organisation who has helped us. We trust them.” The number of cases here is so high that the traditional Mission model of ship visiting and centre-based work has been set aside in favour of a mobile counselling and employment contract support service which is tailored to responding to each seafarer’s need. “There are some nasty people about,” says the Revd Dr Paul Burt, senior chaplain of The Mission to Seafarers in Dubai. “These seafarers aren’t working for big multinationals, they’re usually with small companies
who own one or two ships. They put up with the conditions because it’s the only way they can feed their families.” Most of the seafarers I met in the UAE allege that they have not been paid. For some, it’s been one month. Others have waited for over six months. Three Indian seafarers have been waiting for what they are owed for over a year. “I just want to go home,” says one 25 year-old man who is stranded, unable to leave or support his family. His employer placed a new crew on board their tugboat months ago, but has not paid off or sent home the previous crew, leaving them stuck in the port. The men have been here so long that they are known to other crews, who occasionally house and feed them even though it’s against regulations to sleep on other vessels, but they are desperate to save whatever they can. In the seemingly Wild West of shipping, if they do scrape enough money together to go home, they may as well wave goodbye to their salary. Seafarers are traditionally stoic about their way of life and usually only complain if they are unable to deal with the problem themselves. Here, on the banks of the Arabian Gulf, The Mission to Seafarers is responding to seafarers’ needs and concerns with a range of support services. “The best we can do is collect the facts and work with shipowners to find a solution,” says the Mission’s Dubai manager, John van Deerlin. “Seafarers have tough lives and need help. If the Mission wasn’t here, there would be no one.”
Support us To help to support The Mission to Seafarers work, fighting against the injustices seafarers around the world face on a daily basis, please visit www.missiontoseafarers.org/fan. www.missiontoseafarers.org
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Port authorities
As part of its work supporting the world’s seafarers, the Mission works with The Church on the High Seas to post chaplains to cruise ships who provide spiritual support to crews and passengers.
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he Southampton Centre for Seafarers works closely with cruise operators as part of this process, and recently the Mission appointed Canon Colin Still to the Balmoral, a Fred Olsen Cruise Lines ship that has recently departed on a round-the-world trip. We caught up with the Revd Andrew Huckett, who appoints cruise chaplains on behalf of the Mission, to find out what his work is like. We also interviewed Colin, ahead of his voyage on the Balmoral, and Fred Olsen’s Captain Stoica, who is on board the ship.
The Revd Andrew Huckett
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he Revd Andrew Huckett works for the Mission in Southampton. He first worked at the Mission in Rotterdam in 1968 as a student assistant and rejoined as a chaplain in 1976. Since then, he has served in ports throughout Europe and Africa. Andrew joined the ecumenical team at the Southampton Centre for Seafarers in 2005. How big is the port in Southampton? It’s the UK’s leading port for the cruise industry, and it also serves container and cargo ships. It’s also the UK’s largest port for transporting vehicles. In 2011, more than 5,600 ships visited, carrying 42 million tonnes of cargo and more than a million cruise passengers.
What’s a regular day working at the port like? It involves regular ship visiting and hospital and prison visits in some cases. Primarily it’s about making sure you’re available to respond to the needs of seafarers in case problems arise and inviting them to visit the seafarers’ centre.
Do you get involved with the cruise ships? I do indeed. As chaplain of The Church on the High Seas, I appoint chaplains for Christmas and Easter cruises leaving from Southampton, and, for Fred Olsen, several of their longer cruises during the year. In 2013, I’ll be appointing chaplains for 11 Fred Olsen cruises, a couple of which will be gone for months at a time.
What problems do seafarers typically approach you with? They’re usually related to communication, contractual issues and working conditions. Sometimes the issues can be spiritual in nature. A chaplain in the USA told us that a young seafarer had died on a tanker due to arrive in Fawley, so I visited the ship and we prayed with the crew in the cabin where he died. It helped settle things for those closely involved.
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Flying Angel News | The Magazine of The Mission to Seafarers | Winter 2013 | Issue 7
Partnerships Feature
Canon Colin Still
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anon Colin Still has held several roles within the church, including becoming Canon of Guildford Cathedral. Colin, who served in the army and worked for Shell before studying theology, serves as a chaplain to cruise ships, and is also an assistant priest at St. John’s Church in Brighton.
How did you get involved with the Mission? In 1961 I was in Hamburg while I was working for Shell, and the local priest turned out to be the Mission’s port chaplain there. I put myself forward to be a cruise chaplain in 1996, and since then I’ve represented the Mission on 23 cruises. The round-theworld trip on the Balmoral is the biggest one I’ve been a part of. I haven’t experienced anything quite like this before – it’s involved a lot of work and I’m looking forward to getting started! I’ve spent the last three months preparing my material for the cruise. As you can imagine on a ship there are limited secretarial facilities! What’s working as a cruise chaplain like? Presumably it’s quite different to work on land! Over the course of the cruise I’ll conduct 92 services and give 51 addresses, so there’ll be a service every day, and three on Sundays when we’re at sea. I’ll be at the medical centre daily to help any sick or injured passengers, and I’ll also be holding a Chaplain’s Corner in one of the ship’s lounges while we’re at sea. Generally I’ll endeavour to be seen around the ship as much as possible in case anyone needs anything.
What issues do people typically approach you with? They vary a lot. My work takes in all the highs and lows of life, so one minute I can be helping couples renew their marriage vows, and the next I can be providing bereavement counselling if a passenger receives news of a death at home. Sometimes I have to help passengers who aren’t happy with their companions, which can be difficult. I also provide ministry services to the crew. And then, in amongst all of that, every so often you get theological questions thrown at you in brief encounters with passengers! What part of the trip are you most looking forward to? I’ve always wanted to sail into Sydney harbour, and I’ll get the opportunity to do that on this trip. I’m also hoping to take the chance of a lifetime to visit Angkor Wat the largest religious monument in the world, in Cambodia. What do you have planned for when you return? When I get back from the cruise, I’ll go back to my parish in Brighton, where I’ve been for 17 years. In May I’m going over to Hamburg to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the ordination of a German minister – she’s 87 years old. I have already been invited to join the Balmoral for her Christmas cruise, so towards the end of the year I’ll be there.
Captain Victor Stoica
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aptain Victor Stoica started his career as 3rd officer on a cargo ship in 1988. He moved to his first passenger ship, Tropicana, in 1999, and he joined Fred Olsen in 2001. Captain Stoica is at the helm of the Balmoral for part of its round-the-world tour.
What first attracted you to life at sea? I followed the family tradition. My father was a seaman, so it was a natural choice for me. He was a captain on cargo ships and that inspired me to get started. How big is the crew on board the Balmoral? The Balmoral has 530 crew members. Yes, indeed it does. We are all close to each other, and the crew welfare committee, which is one of the many things I’m responsible for aboard the Balmoral, has a big part to play in that. What does a “normal” day on board include? A normal day on board the Balmoral includes waking up early in the morning for the pilot. Then we’ll manoeuvre the ship into port. Afterwards, I’d usually spend the day socialising with guests, carrying out ship inspections with the crew, attending meetings and trying to have some rest. What’s your favourite part of your job? The best part is being able to interact with people. I attend every social event around the ship providing that my presence is not required on the bridge during arrivals, departures, pilotage, bad weather, low visibility or heavy traffic.
Have things changed much since you started out? Very much! And definitely for the better! The number of navigational incidents has decreased a lot during the last 15 years, which definitely makes things safer.The continuous improvement of navigational equipment has really helped, as have the International Safety Management Code measures, which have really improved safety at sea. What’s been your most exciting moment at sea recently? For me, the most exciting part of being at sea happens on every cruise; it’s when I am meeting new people. What’s the longest amount of time you’ve spent at sea? The longest amount of time I’ve ever spent away from home is 7 months. But that was a long time ago! It was around 15 years ago, back when I was working on cargo ships. You obviously spend a lot of your time at sea. What do you get up to when you’re back on dry land? When I’m at home I spend as much time with my family as possible. We do a lot of travelling. But not on cruise ships!
Fred Olsen has a proud maritime heritage, having been established in Norway over 160 years ago. It operates four intimate cruise ships: Balmoral; Braemar; Boudicca; and Black Watch. It offers a relaxed, traditional style of cruising. Staff quickly get to know guests by their name, in keeping with the Fred Olsen ethos of ‘It’s all about the people!’ For more information on Fred Olsen, visit www.fredolsencruises.com.
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Fundraising news Supporters do a runner
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wo of our supporters have been especially active recently, taking part in runs on our behalf, although they had quite different reasons for getting involved. Chris Clarke took part in the Great South Run for The Mission to Seafarers after a ship his daughter was travelling on was almost hijacked by Somali pirates. Thanks to the work of the shipmaster, Chris’s daughter and the rest of the crew were able to avoid capture, but not before getting a little too close for comfort, as her photo attests! Chris took to the beaches of sunny Spain to train and it certainly paid off as he beat his target time by five minutes, Somali pirates attempt to hijack the ship Chris’ daughter is raising over £600 for the Mission in the process. travelling on Josh Hawken, who took on the Florence Marathon, didn’t have the luxury of warm beaches for his preparation because he spent most of his training time on board a ship! Josh is a 3rd officer employed by BPMS Singapore, and got most of his training done on deck during his spare time, only being knocked out of his stride by a close encounter with Typhoon Bolaven near Japan. Josh was inspired to fundraise after visiting Mission centres in Boston, Odessa and Fremantle. Thanks to matched giving from his employer BPMS Singapore, he’s raised over £1,000 to help us continue our work in over 250 ports worldwide.
What will you give up for Lent?
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ent runs from Ash Wednesday (13 February) until Holy Saturday (30 March) and we’d like our supporters and churches to support us by giving something up for Lent. For seafarers, giving up the things they hold dear is not an option. They have to give up their friends and families. They give up what they know and love for months at a time. This year, we would like you to think about what you enjoy, whether it’s television, chocolate or too much tea, and how it got here. We would like you to give up one luxury for Lent, as we remember that 90% of the goods we use every day come to us by sea. We have Lent fundraising packs with tips on giving up your favourite things and how to get your local church community involved. We also have Lent Boxes for loose change, that you can place at work or at home to raise funds. You could use one to donate what you would normally spend on small luxuries or you could even use it at work to fine anyone who succumbs to temptation and breaks their vow! You can also sign up for weekly Lenten reflections, which will be emailed out every Friday and available from our website. Let’s join together this Lent and remember the seafarers who battle the elements and isolation on a daily basis. If you would like a fundraising pack, or would like to sign up for the Mission’s Lenten reflections, contact Nicky Jackson on 01354 695002 or at Nicola. Jackson@missiontoseafarers.org.
Recycling for The Mission to Seafarers
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id you receive a new phone or gadget for Christmas? Did you know you can recycle your old one for charity? Around 15 million new phones are bought in the UK each year and most of them end up in landfill. You can help the environment and The Mission to Seafarers by getting those old phones to us, so that we can recycle them for you. All you need to do is get in touch and we’ll take care of the rest. For more details, please contact Nicky Jackson at Nicola.Jackson @missiontoseafarers.org.
Baltic Exchange supports seafarers’ supper
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he Mission to Seafarers held a highly enjoyable Champagne fish and chip supper following the Annual National Service for Seafarers at the Punch Tavern in London. Guests were entertained by the Naze Shanty Crew before a traditional meal and shanties. The evening was kindly supported by The Baltic Exchange and the Mission welcomed the Baltic’s chief executive, Jeremy Penn, who joined many others from the professional shipping world. Acting Secretary General Martin Sandford said: “It was wonderful to have the opportunity to meet the individuals who make our work possible. We are most grateful to the Baltic Exchange for their generous support and look forward to working closely with them in the future. While we hope that everyone enjoyed the evening, it’s important to remember the reason behind such events is to help the Mission to continue its work supporting seafarers globally.” For details on event sponsorship, contact Katherine Wylie at 020 7246 2939 or Events@missiontoseafarers.org.
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Flying Angel News | The Magazine of The Mission to Seafarers | Winter 2013 | Issue 7
Fundraising
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ast October saw the launch of the Mission’s first-ever Woolly Hat Day, a new fundraising event asking everyone to wear woolly hats for a day and make a donation in support of seafarers. Supporters across the country, from schools, churches and workplaces took part, and everyone involved received a new fundraising pack full of lots of hints and tips on how to make their Woolly Hat Day a great success. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed wearing their woolly hats, helping to raise vital funds for The Mission to Seafarers and we are all looking forward to getting involved later this year and raising even more. If you would like to take part this year, through your workplace, church, school or group, contact Nicky Jackson on 01354 695002 or Nicola.Jackson@missiontoseafarers.org to register and find out how the money you raise will make a difference to seafarers in need.
Blair’s Mission legacy
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Thanks to our supporters
he Mission to Seafarers Scotland and the community of Aberdour looked back at the life of Blair Jordan recently at a fundraising event held in memory of his tragically short life. Blair was only 17 when he was killed in a fall working on the BP Pioneer in the South China Sea in 2009. “Bands for Blair” was organised by Blair’s mum, Caroline Beveridge, his stepdad Jim and Blair’s friends near the date of what would have been his 21st birthday. Music had been one of Blair’s great passions. Several bands signed up, donating their time for a music night in the courtyard of the Aberdour Hotel, which raised £3,800. Representatives of the Mission were the first people to visit Blair’s family after the tragic accident. Jim McRae, director of development for the Mission in Scotland, said: “It was the Mission who had the sad task of breaking the news when Blair was killed, but the whole village rallied around which was fantastic. The fundraising night was tremendous, and we’re grateful for being in Caroline’s thoughts and for the funds raised on the night.” Caroline said: “The Aberdour community have been fantastic and The Mission to Seafarers have been brilliant.”
We’d like to thank our loyal supporters who have given up their time to help us with vital fundraising work and volunteering. Thanks to everyone who works on behalf of seafarers in need all around the world, including: Our Flag Day collectors around the UK who raised an amazing £2,490 in 2012; Everyone who took part in Sea Sunday 2012, helping us raise an incredible £45,555; Lesley Sutcliffe and her fantastic team of volunteers, who raised £710 from their coffee morning; All our collection box organisers who raised a fabulous £2,388 in 2012; All of our fundraising committees, whose tireless work raised over £11,000 in 2012; Our knitters who work hard throughout the year; Ann & Colin Blowers, Shirley Karney and Irene Gillie, who helped make the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols a success; and Our loyal volunteers who sold Christmas cards at coffee mornings, church fairs and beetle drives.
Fundraise for us! We need your help! Could you organise a coffee morning or quiz night, or would you like to literally go that extra mile and take on a run or challenge event in aid of The Mission to Seafarers? These events can be a great way to get people together, have fun, and raise funds for seafarers at the same time. We can offer tips, advice and resources to help ensure that your event is a huge success. If you’d like to find out more, we’d love to hear from you. For community events, call Nicky Jackson on 07500 333190. For challenge events, such as runs and bike rides, contact Katherine Wylie on 020 7246 2939, and for corporate events, contact Tara Fox at Tara.Fox@missiontoseafarers.org. www.missiontoseafarers.org
0300 555 1505
www.facebook.com/themissiontoseafarers
@flyingangelnews
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Ports around the world
Rotterdam, Netherlands: Mission chaplains first on hand for North Sea survivors
The Baltic Ace before its fateful voyage (Photo: Joost Jakker)
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ragedy struck in the North Sea as two ships, Baltic Ace and Corvus J, collided outside Rotterdam in terrible weather conditions. The Baltic Ace was carrying cars from Zeebrugge, Belgium to Kotka, Finland, and the Corvus J was sailing from Grangemouth, Scotland to Antwerp, Belgium, when the accident occurred. The Baltic Ace sustained heavy damage in the collision and began to sink. The 24man crew immediately abandoned ship. The Corvus J remained afloat and its crew suffered no injuries. 13 seafarers were rescued, and five have been confirmed dead. Six crew members are still missing. The Revd Stephen Hazlett, The Mission to Seafarers’ chaplain in Rotterdam, was among the first on the scene after the collision and worked around the clock with rescue crews and Vlissengen Mission
colleague the Revd Ank Muller-Robinson. Stephen said: “The most important thing was that the rescued seafarers had continuity and a friendly face that they could recognise throughout the rescue process. They knew about the Mission and had used our centres in the UK and around the world, so they felt comfortable talking to me. They were very happy that someone had come to see them. One of them even gave me a great big hug.” The survivors were provided with new clothing, toiletries and phone cards so they could contact their loved ones. Stephen was able to stay with the seafarers offering welfare and support throughout the night. Stephen told us: “We have a very good relationship with our partners at the Dutch Mission, which has strong connections with the various Netherland
authorities, so we worked in a ‘hand in glove’ partnership situation during this difficult time.” Three boats from the Royal Dutch Sea Rescue Organisation, two navy vessels, four helicopters and one coastguard aircraft were used in the major air and sea rescue operation, which was eventually called off after 24 hours. The cause of the collision, which occurred in one of the North Sea’s busiest shipping lanes, is unknown. The Revd Tim Tunley, Mission chaplain in Grangemouth, met the crew of the Corvus J before their departure. Tim said: “The Corvus J crew were key in the rescue of survivors and thankfully their ship did not sink. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the crew of the Baltic Ace and to all the families involved in this terrible tragedy.”
Hong Kong, China: Supporting a seafarer with cancer
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he Revd Stephen Miller has spent a lot of time recently visiting a young Chinese seafarer suffering from cancer. Zhao Wenying, 23, was diagnosed with cancer of the lower spine and admitted to hospital back in July. Stephen has provided her with counselling and support, and has kept her family updated with her progress. Stephen also arranged for Wenying’s husband to travel out from India, providing him with a place to stay so he can be present for her surgery and chemotherapy, which could last for as long as six months. Stephen is supporting Wenying within a hectic schedule, 10
which has seen him carry out over 1,000 ship visits in the last three months. Stephen is also currently negotiating a back pay deal on behalf of 190 members of the Oriental Dragon, a local cruise ship. According to Stephen, none of the crew have been paid for the last four months, and he’s working with the ITF to get them legal representation to boost their claim. Stephen said: “I think this ship will be the first of the many local cruise vessels to come under financial pressure in this way. Fortunately the system here is very much on the side of the crew.”
Flying Angel News | The Magazine of The Mission to Seafarers | Winter 2013 | Issue 7
Port news
Tuticorin, India: Daniston update Tuticorin chaplain Simon visiting Daniston’s family as part of the Mission’s support and advocacy work
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he chaplaincy team in Tuticorin, led by the Revd Simon Dharmaraj, has been working with the family of Daniston, a seafarer who has been held hostage by Somali pirates since he was captured aboard the Asphalt Venture in September 2010. Since then, the Mission team has worked tirelessly to petition the Indian government to arrange for him to be freed along with his fellow captives, as well as supporting Daniston’s family by keeping in regular contact with them. Recently the ship’s owner, Indian shipping company OMCI, contacted Simon to help launch a fresh appeal to the government to help secure the release of the hostages. OMCI asked Simon to secure the support of Daniston’s
Aqaba, Jordan: Fire on board raises temperatures
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family for their petition before going ahead. Simon also wrote to local and national leaders on behalf of the remaining captives, advocating for their release. Two hostages from the Asphalt Venture have died in captivity. The ship itself was released in 2011 after a ransom payment, but the pirates only released 8 hostages out of 15 at that stage, asking for pirates imprisoned in India to be freed in return for the release of the remaining hostages. Simon was also contacted by a seafarer in Colombo – over 250km away – who was facing prejudice and discrimination on his ship from crew members of other nationalities. Simon listened to his story, and had soon negotiated his early release from the ship with local ITF agents.
Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania: The drunken sailor
he Revd Adam Boulter was making preparations for a quiet day to be spent updating his Flying Angel centre’s website and sorting out the computers. Things weren’t quiet for long though as suddenly things became dramatically busier after a Turkish ship, Hizir Sofuoglu, caught fire in the Gulf of Aqaba and its master and crew were arrested on suspicion of arson. After visiting the seafarers, Adam learned that the crew hadn’t been paid for five months and that their support agent had stopped giving them supplies after payments from the ship’s owner dried up without a word of warning. The plot thickened when it emerged that one member of the crew, who was on his first journey at sea, was responsible for the fire, causing significant tension among the imprisoned crew. The Mission team worked with local police, consulate staff and ITF agents to get to the bottom of the issue. After securing solicitors for the crew, they also spoke to their families to keep them updated with developments. Most of the crew were granted bail and the Mission has helped to provide accommodation while they prepare for their case’s outcome. As if that wasn’t enough, the team in Aqaba also had to deal with a sudden typhoon, which led to widespread flooding and cut off local rail routes.
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ar-es-Salaam chaplain, the Revd Lole Timayo, has had “a challenging month” resolving many local disputes. After speaking with seafarers from several ships who felt they had been “cheated” by their shipmasters in terms of their pay and their welfare conditions, the chaplain negotiated improved standards of living and even some back pay for those who were missing some of their money. A Ukrainian seafarer had been sacked and ordered to leave his ship without pay. Lole found out that the seafarer had been drinking while working and was causing problems among the crew, even fighting with his chief officer. Despite his disruptive influence he was still entitled to his pay, so Lole spoke to the shipmaster and made sure he was given the money he was entitled to. Lole also dealt with local ITF agents and the ship’s owners to help arrange a flight home for the sacked seafarer. Recent changes at the port have also seen several key figures, including its director general and manager, being sacked. Summing up the developments, Lole said: “It is now believed that the port will improve its services, especially in terms of theft, as before clients’ containers were getting lost…”
Support us If you would like to support The Mission to Seafarers in its work in over 250 ports across the world, please visit www.missiontoseafarers.org/fan or contact us at fan@missiontoseafarers.org. www.missiontoseafarers.org
0300 555 1505
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@flyingangelnews
11
Supporting piracy victims EU forces start to turn the tide
EU forces detain suspected pirates Photo: EU NAVFOR
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ecent figures from the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) suggest that attacks and armed robberies by Somali pirates are on the decrease, largely thanks to EU NAVFOR’s Operation Atalanta to counter piracy in the region. Recently, EU forces have intercepted, and in some cases destroyed, suspicious craft and detained their crew, ensuring that these pirates can no longer threaten innocent vessels. In addition to the increased naval presence in the area, many ship owners are employing private security firms to patrol ships entering the High Risk Area, a move endorsed by the UK government, to further protect seafarers. However, there is still work to be done. Somali pirates currently hold nine vessels and 154 seafarers hostage. Some of these hostages have been in captivity for nearly two years. The crew of Iceberg-1, who were freed in after a successful
2013 Prayer Diary available
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he Mission’s Prayer Diary for 2013 is now available to our supporters. The prayer diary contains prayers intended to support seafarers, their families and the work of Mission staff across the world. The diary also features an introduction from the Revd Andrew Huckett, our port chaplain in Southampton, whose work for the Mission is also featured in this edition of FAN on page 8. We have also released a new Seafarers’ Cabin Calendar for 2013. The calendar includes a map of where Mission facilities are located around the world. If you would like a copy of either of these new editions, please contact us on 020 7248 5202 or email us at fan@missiontoseafarers.org.
rescue in December, had been kept in captivity for 32 months. For many hostages, ransom payment isn’t an option and their time in captivity can appear endless. In these cases, The Mission to Seafarers provides vital links between families and hostages, keeping channels of communication open, reassuring victims and advocating for their release. Mission chaplains continue to be trained in post-trauma counselling to help support those who have experienced piracy through their ordeals. In 2012, pirates killed at least six seafarers. They attacked 278 vessels, boarding 125 vessels and hijacking 27, taking 448 hostages in the process. They use weapons to intimidate and attack seafarers, with tragic consequences. While the tide may be showing signs of turning, there is more that can be done to help the world’s 1.3 million merchant seafarers. The sea, our parish.... The Mission to Seafarers is the world’s leading maritime charity providing professional support services and ship visiting to seafarers, The Mission welfare to Seafarers mariners and sailors of all faiths, as part of the worldwide Anglican St Michael Paternoster Royal Communion. Identified by our ‘Flying Angel’ logo, we work in 250 ports College Hill,world, London EC4R 2RL around the providing assistance to the 1.3 million working men and +44 women who crew the merchant shipping fleet. Tel: (0)20 7248 5202 Fax: +44 (0)20 7248 4761 “I was info@missiontoseafarers.org a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you Email: gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in Website: www.missiontoseafarers.org prison and you visited me.” Matthew 25: 31-46 Registered charity no. 1123613 Founded in the United Kingdom in 1856, and entirely funded www.facebook.com/themissiontoseafarers by voluntary legacies and donations, the Mission offers a @FlyingAngelNews comprehensive ministry of care for all those facing peril at sea. Mission teams regularly meet with seafarers suffering from posttraumatic stress, illness, isolation, loneliness and fatigue as emergencies at sea put lives in danger and port stopover times are continually eroded. We are highly connected at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and are working to build more integrated relationships with the Anglican Church internationally, the British Government and the European Union on all matters related to welfare concerns in the shipping industry. We are Centre, MtS ‘Flying Angel Club’ Centre, MtS with partners a watchful, discreet and critical friend of all concerned, toMtS Ship visiting and counselling ensure the best outcomes for seafarers in need.
2013
The Mission provides Flying Angel clubs in 100 ports and offers a Christian welcome in a safe haven. A Mission centre typically offers counselling, affordable www.missiontoseafarers.org communications, advice on employment issues,practical a The Mission to Seafarers offers emergency assistance, support, and a friendly welcome to crews visiting more than 250 ports around the world in 71 countries. place for prayer and reflection, donated warm clothing, Whether caring for victims of piracy or providing a lifeline to those stranded in foreign ports, we hospitality and In amerchant further 150 ofports, arespiritual there for the support. globe’s 1.3 million seafarers all ranks, nationalities and beliefs. To find out how we help those facing shipwreck, abandonment, loneliness and danger, visit our local honorary chaplains and volunteers undertake website: www.missiontoseafarers.org invaluable shipwww.facebook.com/themissiontoseafarers visiting, transport, and support services. @FlyingAngelNews Our ship visitors take phone cards and internet-linked laptops on board, so seafarers unable to come ashore can contact their families. All around the world, the Mission provides help and hope to seafarers, in places of greatest need. The Mission to Seafarers St Michael Paternoster Royal College Hill, London EC4R 2RL Tel: +44 (0)20 7248 5202 Fax: +44 (0)20 7248 4761 Email: info@missiontoseafarers.org Website: www.missiontoseafarers.org Registered charity no. 1123613. www.facebook.com/themissiontoseafarers
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Prayer Diary
2013
www.missiontoseafarers.org
Support us The Mission to Seafarers is the world’s largest charitable port-based welfare service, working in over 250 ports to give vital support to seafarers across the world. Visit www.missiontoseafarers.org/fan for more information. 12
Flying Angel News | The Magazine of The Mission to Seafarers | Winter 2013 | Issue 7
Interview with...
Over 150 years of serving seafarers around the world
Canon Dennis Claughton Port chaplain, Fremantle, Australia Dennis works with seafarers in Fremantle’s Flying Angel Club, which supports the west’s capital, Perth. His welfare work has recently been recognised by the ICSW and Lloyd’s List Australia. What’s the port of Fremantle like? Fremantle generally handles cargo ships carrying minerals and grain. Our centre actually covers two ports, which can hold up to 24 ships, and it’s the nearest link to Perth, so it’s a really busy place.
Our centres across the world support seafarers facing a range of problems. Some are homesick. Some aren’t being paid. Some have been attacked by pirates, while others are travelling with dangerous cargo. Recently our Rotterdam centre helped survivors of the collision between Corvus J and Baltic Ace, providing them with care and counselling after they were rescued from freezing cold seas. Gifts in wills are a vital part of our funding. They help us to maintain these essential services across the world, so that we can help seafarers whatever problems they face wherever they are. If you are thinking of leaving a gift in your will and would like more information, please fill in our form and send it to Rebecca Gebbie at the address below. You can also reach her on 020 7246 2917 or at Rebecca.Gebbie@missiontoseafarers.org
What sort of centre do you have out there? The Fremantle centre’s a round-the-clock operation. We’ve got accommodation for around 30 people and our kitchen serves three meals a day, so it’s a pretty hectic place. On top of that we have a fleet of buses to help transport seafarers to and from the ports we cover. We’ve got a group of around 30 volunteers that are really dedicated and make it all work. What goes on during a typical day? The centre is open every hour of every day, so there’s always someone there in case one of our seafarers needs help. In the morning, we get started early so that one of our buses can make its first run to ships for 8:30am. While that’s out we open the shop so that when the bus is back it’s open for seafarers in case they need provisions. Then we help them with whatever they need and give them a place to talk and relax. We have good relationships with the port authority, shipping agents and the ITF, so we meet them if something like a seafarer not being paid has come up. We also hold services on ships for seafarers who don’t have time to disembark.
I would like to find out more about leaving a gift in my will to The Mission to Seafarers.
A lot of things happen that you don’t have control over. Every day is different, and you don’t know what’s going to happen until it’s happened.
Contact details
So is seafarers’ safety an issue?
Address............................................................
Injuries happen all the time. We always have someone in the centre who is sick or has been injured. We recently had someone in who had their leg smashed by a mooring rope, a really painful injury. We often use our buses to take injured seafarers up to the main hospital in Perth and a lot of the time we have them back for outpatient care.
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What other problems do seafarers you meet face?
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We find that the primary issue is communication. A lot of seafarers need someone to talk to, and a way to get in touch with their families, so we provide them with ways to do that and re-establish that connection.
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What part of your work gives you the most satisfaction?
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Please return to: Rebecca Gebbie, The Mission to Seafarers, St Michael Paternoster Royal, College Hill, London, EC4R 2RL.
The most satisfying thing can just be an email from someone that tells you that you’ve made a difference. Just people saying you’ve made a difference. When you’re meeting interesting people all the time, it broadens your mind. It’s just ordinary days. Ordinary days are all extraordinary, that’s what it amounts to. www.missiontoseafarers.org
0300 555 1505
How you can support us There are many ways in which you can support our work with seafarers around the world.
Events 2013
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: Fundraising
Rembering the Mission in your will
Volunteering
Involving your company
Giving in memory of a friend or loved one
Annual Service 23rd May
Join us as we give thanks to seafarers around the globe, and take time to reflect on our theme for 2013, 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.
Make a donation If you would like to make a donation, please fill out the form below, and complete your contact details at the bottom of the page. Please accept my gift of:
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£15
St Michael Paternoster Royal, London
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or £.......................... (your chosen amount) My cheque is enclosed (payable to The Mission to Seafarers) Please debit my credit/debit card: Visa/MasterCard/Maestro (delete as applicable)
Annual National Service for Seafarers 16th Octoberber
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St Paul’s Cathedral, London After the prestigious annual service for seafarers past and present at St Paul’s Cathedral, we invite you to join us for a reception nearby. For information on tickets for the reception, please see the contact details provided below.
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Make your gift worth 25% more
I am a UK taxpayer and would like The Mission to Seafarers to treat all my past and future donations as Gift Aid until I notify otherwise.
I confirm I have paid or will pay an amount of income tax and/ or capital gains tax for the current tax year at least equal to the tax that all the charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) that I donate to will reclaim on my gifts. I understand that other taxes such as VAT and council tax do not qualify.
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A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols December
St Michael Paternoster Royal, London Start off this year’s Christmas festivities by attending our popular carol service, followed by a mulled wine and mince pies reception. Enjoy readings from our VIP guests – previous readers have included HRH The Princess Royal, Dr Lucy Blue and Jim Fitzpatrick MP.
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Please detach this form and send it to: Flying Angel News The Mission To Seafarers St Michael Paternoster Royal College Hill, London EC4R 2RL FA2013
Find out more about these events at www.missiontoseafarers.org/special-events. For ticket details, please contact us on 020 7248 5202 and for corporate sponsorship information, please get in touch with Tara Fox on 020 7246 2980.