DCN December Edition 2019

MISSION TO SEAFARERS
When tragedy strikes
Following a recent tragedy on a passenger ship,
a Mission to Seafarers’ chaplain went onboard
to provide counselling and assistance
IT WAS AROUND LUNCHTIME
when I received a phone call about an
emergency. The initial message was that
someone onboard needed help, but I
thought nothing much of it because I was
about to visit ships elsewhere. The other
chaplains were closer and they would be
able to handle it. Well it turned out the
first message was incomplete. There had
been a death, and they wanted someone
that afternoon to assist the crew for several
days. I sensed there was a greater need and
perhaps my counselling skills would be
of value. The trip to the dock in an Uber
was eventful when we passed an accident
involving four vehicles. Almost as soon as
I arrived onboard, I sensed a weight only
his body. In such circumstances people
are vulnerable to trauma and secondary
trauma. The circumstances surrounding
a death, especially suicide, can have an
overwhelming effect. The majority of
people will undergo temporary traumatic
symptoms, but they only will be temporary.
There is, however, a minority who, based on
previously trauma, will be vulnerable for an
extended period of time.
COUNSELLING THE CREW
My first job was to help the crew
understand their reactions were normal.
Feeling numb, not being able to believe this
has really happened, sudden anger, sadness
and guilt are normal reactions. Many who
If we do not allow the grief to be processed,
it will hurt us in the end.
and I wondered about them. There was no
time for a traditional wake, and someone
told me they only get 10 hours off rather
than a day off as a regular break. They work
seven days a week.
HOPES FOR THE FUTURE
My hope is that the crew will be able to find
space to process what they need to process.
It is different for everyone. Some cultures
have different ways of grieving and within
those groups there is so much variation.
But if we do not allow grief to be processed,
it will hurt us in the end. The greater our
love, the greater the grief and the more
help we will need. We need to talk about
the serious stuff, and we need someone
to really listen. I was able to provide a
listening ear and I hope the crew are able to
find others who take the time to hear how
much they cared about their friend.
death can bring. This was not obvious to
take their own lives do not tell anyone in
CHRISTMAS SPIRIT
the guests onboard for they knew nothing.
advance. Tragically they seem to believe
As Christmas is close, it is important to
For the majority of the passengers it was
family, friends and colleagues are better off
be mindful some of our friends, family,
party time. The show must go on.
without them. Nothing could be further
colleagues and neighbours struggle at this
from the truth.
time of year. Seafarers are vulnerable to
IMPACT UPON THE CREW
At the memorial service we held a couple
loneliness and isolation due to separation
I was introduced to some of the officers and
of days after his death, there was a long line
from loved ones. Remember them also.
learned the victim was one of their own.
of his crew family, friends and colleagues
Join us at our Christmas Celebration
Neither the staff captain nor the master
who walked up to his framed photo and paid
and Information evening at the Sydney
had experienced such a tragedy aboard
their last respects. It was a holy moment.
Mission on December 10 where we will
ship, and they were glad to have someone
This was no easy place to be, at such a
look back on the year that is ending and
familiar with handling people who had
time there is so much pain and confusion.
look forward to 2020.
been close to a recently deceased. There
He had been a kind officer, a gentleman
were several teams who had been close to
the officer as well as those who had been
involved in the discovery and retrieval of
even, who went about his business quietly
and efficiently. After the service the crew
dispersed to take up their various duties
If this article has raised any issues, contact
Mission to Seafarers Sydney on (02) 9241 3009
or Lifeline on 131 114.
GaudiLab
64 December 2019
thedcn.com.au