By Jite Eriabie
Seafarers’ charity Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) provided pastoral support to crew members of an offshore supply ship after the death of their colleague on September 12.
An Italian crew member was believed to have possibly suffered a stroke on board the Ievoli Cobalt off the coast of the Isle of Wight on the morning of September 11 and was airlifted to hospital by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Sadly, he died the next day.
AoS Port Chaplain for Southern Ports Reverend Roger Stone went on board the ship on the request of the local police marine unit to meet the crew.
“I was on board for about two hours. At the Master’s request, I led a short prayer service for the officers and crew and for the happy repose of the seafarer’s soul. I then went to the mess where I met some of the technicians and was available for one-to-one conversations with crew,” Roger said.
He added, “The seafarer’s cabin mate was clearly upset and I hope that our conversation helped to bring some peace to him.”
The wife and family of the deceased crew member have been informed and AoS has also offered to support them.
Roger said, “It was important and, I hope, beneficial for the officers and crew on board that I visited the ship and AoS is pleased to have been of some assistance to your company and crew in these sad circumstances.”
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