Mission to Seafarers work at the crucial point of collision where the unethical practices of shipping companies arrive on our shores. Sailors often arrive exhausted, despondent, and desperate to connect with family. It is in this vulnerable place, that the chaplains of MTS enter into as they board ships. 

Due to Covid-19, many seafarers have been unable to leave their ships for months at a time. Mission to Seafarers Chaplain Romeo Apache says, “I’m trying to get as close to the seafarers as possible to hear their stories, but during Covid-19 that has been very difficult. Even under Level One there are complications as every ship differs. Some ships are stricter and some of looser.” Romeo went on to say that the Captains of different ships will decide whether crew are allowed to disembark or not. 

Alongside the policies of Individual ships and shipping companies, many seafarers have a lack of information about the dangers of Covid-19. They are scared to leave the ship for fear of contracting the virus and eventually giving this back to their families once they return home. “They experience the same universal uncertainty that we have felt in lockdown. But because they are stuck on a boat, they are restricted from seeing the reality of what is going on. They are in lockdown, but without a reliable source of news or information.”

Romeo notes that greatest desire of all seafarers if for connection. They are disconnected from their families, and disconnected from information that might help them to manage the uncertainty of being at sea during Covid-19. Many arrive at port with no knowledge at all of whether they will be able to disembark the vessel they have been on for up to 9 months. Director of Mission to Seafarers Lance Lukin says “They are scared. Scared of catching something from us, and scared because there are no hospitals or ventilators on these ships if they do.”

It is into this desperation for connection that Mission to Seafarers (MTS) are able to do their most important work. Romeo says, “Some companies are on the brink of bankruptcy so not all ships can provide internet for them to contact home. This is a place where we are able to step in and help.” Armed with nothing more than a smartphone, MTS staff board ships and allow seafarers to use wifi and phones to connect with loved ones and to assure them they are safe. 

This also creates the opportunity for MTS to gauge the wellbeing of the seafarers themselves, and the safety of the environment they are living in. Romeo continues, “We meet the crew and we listen to them and pray for them. Family is their biggest concern. We ask them how they are feeling, and how they are coping being away from home and being confined onboard. We also ask them how they are supporting one-another, and what the environment of the ship is like.”

As we learned in Part One of this series, slavery on the high seas exists because it is out of sight, out of mind. MTS do the important work of assuring seafarers they are not forgotten, assisting them to connect with family who loves them, and advocating to the Church and the general public not to forget the high cost paid for our lifestyle. 

By Scottie Reeve

Mission to Seafarers would love your support as they continue to do this important work. You can support them through prayer, or through a financial contribution by contacting Rev. Lance Lukin here.