Catholic seafarers' charity, Apostleship of the Sea, has hailed Pope Francis' Apostolic Exhortation released by the Vatican today.  The document was issued almost a year to the day after the close of the AoS World Congress which looked at the New Evangelization in the maritime world and the new ways that are required to proclaim the Good News in this environment.

The document, entitled Evangelii Gaudium, 'the joy of evangelisation' echoed a number of current priorities for the Apostleship of the Sea and those working at sea.    

The document underlined the "globalization of indifference" that Pope Francis spoke of when he made his first official visit outside of Rome to Lampedusa, the island off which many migrants have been lost at sea. Such situations are not inconsequential for each one of us as 'all of us have some share of responsibility in these situations" (211).

Spread throughout the world in nearly 300 ports, the Apostleship of the Sea often works 'hidden below the radar'. Locally, however, its work is  greatly appreciated and an authentic example, as the document says, of a living Church, 'if the Church today appears still highly credible in many countries of the world, even where it is a minority, it is because of her works of charity and solidarity.'

A concern of the AoS and the document is the promotion of faith in both new ways and old; the document underlines 'the value of popular piety as an expression of the genuine faith of many people who thereby give true testimony of their simple encounter with the love of God (122-126).'  Seafarers and fishermen, even in a highly industrialised environment, exhibit such simple faith when, for example, they request a chaplain to bless their cabin or gather onboard for devotion to particular saints connected with the sea, above all our Lady Star of the Sea, Stella Maris.

Following the recent Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, AoS port chaplains around the world helped seafarers get news of events back home and establish contact loved ones, examples of what Evangelii Gaudium describes as "simple and daily gestures of solidarity in the face of the many concrete situations of need" (188), a vital component of evangelisation.

AoS feels deeply affirmed by the Holy Father as it seeks to implement the new evangelisation amidst the many challenges of the seafaring and fishing world.

(Editors Note: Thanks to our Vice President, Fr. Bill Reynolds who called our attention to this story which happened very near to his Diocese of Davenport, Iowa.) 

Crews from various Illinois and Iowa agencies are still assessing the environmental damage caused when a towboat struck an unknown object in the Mississippi River near the LeClaire levee and spilled diesel fuel and oil into the river.

U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Colin Fogerty said a crew from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers still is trying to determine what the Stephen L. Colby towboat hit that caused it to sink.

"We'll be able to reopen the river once crews determine that it's safe for navigation," he said.

Fogerty added that about 90 percent of the spill had been contained around the boat Tuesday.

Around 4:30 p.m. Monday, the 154-foot towboat, which is used to guide barges down the river, hit a submerged object and began to sink. Nine crew members on board were able to escape.

About 40 members of various agencies, including LeClaire fire and police, Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Environmental Protection Agency, were at the levee Tuesday to help with cleanup efforts and to assess the full extent of the damage.

Crews were concerned about oil or fuel leaking from the boat. It contains 1,100 gallons of oil and almost 90,000 gallons of fuel.

"The Coast Guard's primary concern, as always, is the environment," Fogerty said.

Fogerty said it's "anyone's best guess" as to how much oil spilled into the river but crews had collected about 500 gallons by noon Tuesday.

Divers have worked to plug the ventilation shafts and oil holes to prevent any more oil from leaking into the river.

About 3,000 feet of absorbent booms, which are tube-like portable barriers, was placed around the towboat to absorb the oil and prevent more from spreading into the river.

Devices known as skimmers also collected oil from the water's surface.

As crews worked, the boat remained slanted and partially submerged in the water.

A salvage crew from St. Louis is en route to LeClaire. Fogerty said the earliest the boat could be removed is Saturday as the crew makes its way up the Mississippi River.

Fogerty said crews have not discovered any fish kills or other wildlife deaths at this point but the EPA and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will remain on scene to determine the spill's impact to local wildlife.

The Stephen L. Colby is owned by Marquette Transportation Co. It was built in 1967 and is 154 feet long and 40 feet wide, according to the Marquette website.

A spokeswoman from the river unit of Marquette Transportation Co., based in Paducah, Ky., declined comment Tuesday.

In a news release Tuesday, Iowa American Water officials assured residents that its water treatment plant along the bank of the Mississippi River is secure and drinking water in the Iowa Quad-Cities is safe.

The company is taking an added precaution by drawing water from a lower level in the river to avoid pulling any leaked products into its treatment facility.

Fogerty said that although something like this doesn't happen every day, it's not unheard of.

"Yesterday (Monday) was an aberration, but I've seen a few of these in my career," said Fogerty, who has been with the Coast Guard for four years. "The Mississippi River, as beautiful as it is, is a dynamic environment, and no matter what man does, nature will always win out."

   Courtesy: North American Maritime Ministry Association 

By: Dr. Jason Zuidema

(Editor's Note: NAMMA's Executive Director Jason Zuidema phone earlier this week to state that there are still funds available for those Seafarers' Centers or Chaplaincies that are still in need of assistance to assist Filipino Seafarers in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan.)  

On top of the original $7,500 pledged to NAMMA centers to distribute for communications grants to those affected by Typhoon Haiyan, the International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) has now agreed to an additional $7,500, bringing the total to $15,000.  With this funding NAMMA is honored to offer grants of up to $500USD to its members to reimburse costs of giving free communication services (telephone or Internet) to seafarers with families in the Philippines or the surrounding area affected by Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda).  

Applicants must fill out this short form and send it back to Jason Zuidema, Executive Director, NAMMA: (jason.zuidema@namma.org). These forms are also available on the main page of our website (www.namma.org).  Alternatively, you may print it out, fill it in by hand and scan it.  NAMMA Executive Director will respond to requests within 24 hours of receipt.  Should you receive a positive response, we encourage you to begin giving the communication services to those affected immediately.  A check for reimbursement of up to $500 USD (based on your needs explained in your application) will be sent in the mail by the NAMMA treasurer in short order.

   Courtesy: AOS Stockton 

25 November 2013 

Thanks to The Knights of Columbus, who assisted AOS Lay Ecclessial Minister Mike De Toro of the Port of Stockton, California, 90 LBC boxes were packed and shipped to aid in the relief efforts in the Philippines following the recent typhoon. The value of the food and clothing items was approximately $15,00.00. LBC (Luzon Brokerage Cooperation) throughout the United States offered free shipping of relief items to the Philippines.

PEOPLE in South Tyneside are being asked to throw their weight behind an appeal to support Filipino seafarers' attempts to stay in touch with family and friends in their devastated homeland.

The sailors are regular visitors to the Port of Tyne on Merchant Navy containers and bulk carriers, many working as deck crew.

They are struggling to get information on the impact Typhoon Haiyan is having in the Philippines, where more than 5,000 deaths have been reported since it struck.

Now the South Shields office of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union has stepped into the breach.

It has launched an appeal to raise funds to purchase top-up phone cards, sim cards and internet facilities to enable the worried seafarers to stay in touch with developments back home.

Kevin Charles, branch secretary of the RMT's North East shipping and offshore branch, based in Mile End Road, South Shields, hopes the borough's seafaring heritage will ensure the appeal is a success.

And the union has kicked off the appeal with a £300 donation from its own coffers.

Mr Charles said: "The Philippines were devastated by this disaster and there are limited communications.

"The Filipino crew members on the Tyne are desperate for news from home and the sim and top-up cards will help them to keep abreast of what is going on back home.

"South Shields has a great seafaring tradition and the community always comes together in times of need to help others.

"I have served with Filipinos and they are a very dedicated bunch of people. I'm sure the people of the borough and North East will support us."

A crew on the Panama-registered bulk carrier, Donald Ducking, remain stranded after the vessel was detained at the Port of Tyne over mechanical and safety concerns.

One of its crew, Joewars Fetalco, 40, has revealed that 40 members of his wife's family are missing in his homeland after the typhoon struck.

And, in a second appeal, Diane Erskine, manager at the Mission to Seafarers in South Shields, has appealed for donations of warm clothes to protect that crew through the winter.

Donations of DVD films are also needed to stave off boredom during the stay in the Port.

She said: "It must get monotonous watching the same films over and over again. We plan to set up a video library so other crews can make use of the films too."

The Mission is also geared up to provide bereavement counselling to crew members, should it prove necessary. If you wish to make a donation to the RMT-backed appeal, all cheques should be made to the RMT or the Mission to Seafarers South Shields branch.

They can be sent to the RMT office, 5 Mile End Road, South Shields, NE33 ITA or the Mission to Seafarers, the Mill Dam, South Shields, NE33 1EQ.

New York City, NY (PRWEB) November 22, 2013

Crowley Maritime Corp. was presented with three prestigious Admiral of the Ocean Seas (AOTOS) awards during an industry dinner and dance held last week in New York City. Presented as part of the event's Honored Seafarers Awards segment, which commends the heroism of American mariners who have risked their lives to save others and the outstanding seamanship of officers and crews of vessels participating in rescue operations, Crowley received the AOTOS Mariners' Rosette Award and two Mariners' Plaques.

Accepting the Mariners' Rosette Award was Crowley's Chief Engineer Keith Madding, who represented not only the company but also his fellow crewmembers, who helped to perform "a heroic rescue of a man who was struggling to stay afloat in the waters outside of the San Francisco Bay." The early morning rescue took place in October of 2012 while the tugboat was standing by just outside the Bay from the Golden Gate Bridge, waiting to escort a tanker into anchorage. Crowley's Perry Overton, captain of the Guard, noticed the man treading water a little more than a mile and a half from the bridge. Working quickly, the crew tossed the man a life ring and Madding donned a survival suit and entered the frigid 55 degree waters to help the fatigued man climb the Guard's emergency ladder. Once aboard, the crew removed the hypothermic man's wet clothing and wrapped him in warm blankets until the Coast Guard arrived and could perform other life-saving treatments.

"The entire Crowley family is proud of this brave crew for putting their training to good use to perform the vital measures needed to save this man's life," said the company's Rocky Smith, senior vice president and general manager, petroleum distribution and marine services. "These crewmembers are true heroes and deserve to be recognized for their service. We are appreciative of the recognition from AOTOS and are happy to have been of assistance when it was needed most."

The first AOTOS Mariners' Plaque was awarded to the crew of the Crowley-managed M/V Ocean Atlas, owned by Intermarine LLC, in recognition of their efforts in "fending off multiple attempts by pirates to board the vessel while off the coast of Lamé, Togo" in Africa. Accepting the award on behalf of the company and his crewmates was Daniel Vonder Haff, chief mate of the vessel.

The piracy incident took place last November while the M/V Ocean Atlas was anchored three miles off the port of Lomé in a highly congested area waiting to receive fuel. The security team set up surveillance to ensure a safe perimeter while awaiting the arrival of the fueling vessel. During nighttime hours, six men on a skiff attempted to board the portside of the vessel but were spotted by the surveillance team, which in coordination with the crewmembers, prevented the pirates from boarding. When safe, the crew radioed the Togo navy to report the attack and request assistance. Following anti-piracy safety protocol, the crewmembers remained on the bridge while the security team guarded all vessel entry points. These measures prevented a second attempt to board the vessel 30 minutes later, this time by pirates in three separate skiffs. Throughout the remainder of the night, the crewmembers worked with the security team to keep surveillance on the pirate skiffs as they continued their attempts to board the ship.

"The crew's performance in this high-stress situation showed its high level of professionalism and the value of Crowley's anti-piracy, security and safety training," said Nick Orfanidis, Crowley's director of fleet operations. "They are true heroes and deserve to be recognized for their actions."

The second AOTOS Mariners' Plaque was accepted by Master Fred Walley, of the Crowley-managed, Maritime Administration (MARAD) Ready Reserve Force ship, S.S. Wright, on behalf of the company and his crew, for the "demonstrated extraordinary capabilities in their response to the Super Storm Sandy disaster relief mission." Shortly after the storm, the S.S. Wright, along with fellow MARAD vessel Kennedy, relocated to Staten Island, NY, in support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide cost-effective berthing and meals for more than 900 FEMA personnel and Red Cross relief workers, among others, daily. After being stationed in New York for more than a month, the S.S. Wright provided more than 4,000 overnight accommodations and over 15,000 meals.

"The rapid activation and deployment of the S.S. Wright to New York and success of the mission was unprecedented, thanks to the cooperation and joint effort of afloat and shore-side personnel," said Crowley's Michael Golonka, vice president, ship management. "The entire effort was a true testament of how Crowley - and the maritime industry as a whole - can offer relief during times of great need."

All proceeds from the AOTOS event benefit United Seamen's Service (U.S.S.) community services abroad for the U.S. Merchant Marine and those of other free countries around the world. Since 1942, U.S.S. has continued to provide community services for the U.S. Merchant Marine, the American Armed Forces, and seafarers of the world. U.S.S., a non-profit agency, which operates centers in eight foreign ports in Europe, Asia, Africa and on the banks of the Indian Ocean, and also provides seagoing libraries to American vessels through its affiliate, the American Merchant Marine Library Association.

Jacksonville-based Crowley Holdings Inc., a holding company of the 121-year-old Crowley Maritime Corporation, is a privately held family and employee-owned company. The company provides project solutions, transportation and logistics services in domestic and international markets by means of six operating lines of business: Puerto Rico/Caribbean Liner Services, Latin America Liner Services, Logistics Services, Petroleum Services, Marine Services and Technical Services. Offered within these operating lines of business are: liner container shipping, logistics, contract towing and transportation; ship assist and escort; energy support; salvage and emergency response through its TITAN Salvage subsidiary; vessel management; vessel construction and naval architecture through its Jensen Maritime subsidiary; government services, and petroleum and chemical transportation, distribution and sales. Additional information about Crowley, its subsidiaries and business units may be found on the Internet at http://www.crowley.com.

From the Vatican , November 13th, 2013

Prot. n. 7423/2013/AM

Re: AOS special Fund for the Philippines

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Once again, we have witnessed the catastrophic power of the nature that in less than one month hit the same area twice (Central - Southern Visayas) in the Philippines . On October 15th, a devastating earthquake and then on November 7th, the Typhoon Haiyan hit the Nation, sweeping away people and property in its course. The death toll is in the thousands, while the survivors struggle to put together what is left of their lives.

Our prayers and solidarity go to all the Filipino seafarers miles away from their loved ones, not knowing their fate. We praise many of our AOS Centers around the world that have provided free telephone cards and internet access to allow Filipino seafarers to contact their families. Many of our AOS chaplains have celebrated Masses for the deceased, and have helped the seafarers make sense of such devastation and turmoil.

We appreciate that Carnival Cruise has requested AOS deploy Catholic chaplains on board of several of their ships to support Filipino crews.  

The great family of AOS would like to show its closeness and manifest its solidarity to the Filipino people. Therefore, as it was done for the tsunami that struck the coast of Japan in 2011, the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, which is responsible for the overall direction of the Apostleship of the Sea, has decided to set up a special fund with an initial contribution 10,000 (ten thousands) US dollars. The fund will support long-term reconstruction projects, to be realized in cooperation with AOS - Philippines , benefiting the people of the sea in the affected areas when, after the initial weeks of emergency, people will have to return to their "normal" life.

Attached, you will find the instructions for your donations in US$ or in Euros (enclosure).  

Bank Transfer Document 

Please be kind enough to inform our office (aosinternational@migrants.va) of any transfer of funds.

We would also be grateful if you could share this initiative, giving it all the exposure that you deem fits. In advance, we express our sincere thanks for your support and generosity, asking Mary, Star of the Sea, to bless this initiative.

 Antonio Maria Card. Vegliò

 President

                                                                                                            X Joseph Kalathiparambil

 Secretary