In time of tragedy

Pastoral care for a crew in mourning

In May 2008, a young Indian seafarer went missing as his ship, M/V Virgo Leader, sailed to Saudi Arabia. His body was never found. Some of the crew said that he had jumped into the sea. They said that he had personal problems but did not like to talk about them.

When the ship reached the port of Laemchabang in Thailand, the agent contacted AOS. National director of AOS Thailand, Fr Soodjen Fonruang visited the ship. He was accompanied by port pastoral worker Apinya Tajit and other members of the pastoral team. Fr Fonruang said Mass onboard and blessed the ship.

Right: the AOS pastoral team. Above: Fr Fonruang talks to a seafarer

The seafarers onboard the M/V Virgo Leader came from various countries including the Philippines, India and the USA. Fr Fonruang and his team spent time listening to them. Following their loss, it was important for the seafarers to talk openly and to pray for their colleague. Talking, listening and simply being there is part of the pastoral care which AOS offers to all seafarers regardless of religion or nationality.

Members of the crew during Mass

click here for details of AOS in Thailand