Seafarers and fishers live and work at the periphery of society, spending days or months at sea.
Their lives are hidden and yet they play a crucial role in bringing us so much of the food, fuel and goods we consume. From clothing to digital devices, to bananas and tea, almost 90% of goods are transported on cargo ships crewed by thousands of seafarers from all over the world.
Seafarers and fishers make enormous sacrifices just to bring us the basic things in life that we enjoy. Their work is tough, and the shifts can be gruelling - six hours on, six hours off, day after day. They have to eat, sleep, wash and speak with loved ones in a six-hour window before they’re back on shift.
Most shipping companies provide for crew welfare, but working at sea has its own unique challenges. Life on board can be lonely and isolating, shore leave is becoming less frequent, and sailing in dangerous shipping routes is part and parcel of the job.
Seafarers and fishers also miss their family back home. They miss out on important moments that many of us take for granted – births, graduations, celebrations, funerals…
Not forgotten
But their sacrifices and hardships don’t go unrecognised, and seafarers and fishers are not forgotten. Stella Maris’ chaplains and volunteer ship visitors are present in ports around the UK to provide friendship, care, practical and spiritual support.
When the chief engineer of a cargo ship was rushed to King’s College Hospital following a medical emergency, Wojciech Holub, Stella Maris Regional Port Chaplain for the Port of London and Tilbury, immediately stepped in to provide support.
Throughout his treatment and recovery, Wojciech visited the seafarer in hospital, did his laundry, and assisted him in many practical ways including acting as interpreter. He was helped by Izabela, a Stella Maris ship visiting volunteer. After several weeks in hospital
the chief engineer was well enough to make the journey home to Russia. Wojciech assisted him to the airport and bid him farewell.
What might seem like small acts of kindness meant so much to the chief engineer. Having someone who was there for him, to listen and be a friend, brought him comfort and lifted his spirits. It showed him that he was not forgotten and that his sacrifices were recognised. It made him feel visible.
As we celebrate the season of harvest, of abundance, please remember the hidden heroes of the sea and say a prayer for them. Your kindness and support mean a lot to them. More information about Stella Maris’ work can be found at www.stellamaris.org.uk