Seafarers’ charity provides support to crew in aftermath of Tyne ferry fire
The Tyne port chaplain of the Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) has been providing immediate support to crew following the
fire at sea on the Seaways King ferry.
A fire was found on the ferry a few hours after it left North Shields on the Tyne on Saturday night. The blaze, said to
have started in a cabin, broke out when the vessel was around 30 miles off the North Yorkshire coast at around 10.45pm
on Saturday night.
Once the ship had docked, following the fire, the AoS chaplain Paul Atkinson kept in touch with the crew to provide
support and visited the ship on Monday to provide emotional and practical help for the crew, four of whom were airlifted
off the ship following the fire, eight crew in total were treated by doctors for smoke-related injuries on board the
ferry according to media reports.
The ferry and its crew are well known to Paul who visits it every week providing help such as transport for seafarers to
get ashore, phone cards and internet top ups for crew to contact loved ones in their home countries. In recent weeks
Paul had distributed dozens of Christmas gifts to the ferry crew from local churches to bring some Christmas cheer to
crew working during the festive season.
Media reports said 946 passengers and 127 crew members were on board the ferry.
In ports around Great Britain, and around the world, the port chaplains of the AoS visit ferry crews, to support the
crew when needed and to be a friendly face and listening ear, providing practical and spiritual support for each and
every crew member.
Being a member of crew on a ferry can be stressful at the best of times. Factors such as prolonged separation from
family and the proximity of so many people living and working together can increase stress on crew. Outlets and
opportunities to talk and be heard for crew are important for their wellbeing so that they can continue to work and live
in a happy environment.
The impact of AoS port chaplains is crucial at times of particular stress such as this incident. They offer emotional
support to crew and at Christmas will arrange for religious services for Catholic seafarers from countries such as the
Philippines.
ENDS