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 and 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 – for some that means 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 life on board can be lonely and isolating, shore leave is becoming less frequent, and sailing in dangerous shipping routes is an unavoidable part 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, the Catholic charity supporting seafarers, fishers, and their families, is present in ports around the UK to provide friendship, care, practical and spiritual support.
Recently Stella Maris Regional Port Chaplain Luke Phillips supported a 23-year-old fisher from India who suffered a stroke and had to be evacuated from his vessel in Shoreham. He was admitted to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, first to intensive care, before thankfully making good enough progress to return home to be reunited with his family.
During his hospital stay, Luke visited the fisher with gifts, Indian food, and Stella Maris faith materials. His eyes lit up when he saw the rosary and an image of our Lady. Luke was also able to connect him with the Catholic Hospital Chaplain to administer the Sacraments.
Luke said: “It may only have been a small gesture, but it meant a lot to him. It showed him that he wasn’t forgotten, someone was there for him in his time of need. It made him feel visible.”
As we celebrate the season of harvest and 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
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