A seafarer who had a narrow escape and fell overboard has been supported by seafarers’ charity Apostleship of the Sea (AoS).
The Filipino man was working on a vessel at Felixstowe port and had an accident which resulted in him falling off the ship into the water.
His colleagues who were working nearby were able to throw him a lifebuoy and with their help he was able to reach the pilot ladder located on the quayside wall.
He managed to get ashore using whatever little strength he had left, assisted by his crew mates. He was then taken to hospital where he received medical attention and observation overnight.
AoS Felixstowe port chaplain Sr Marian Davey visited the seafarer during his stay in hospital and after his discharge to a hotel.
She spoke with his wife and daughter back home in the Philippines and kept them updated on his progress. She also liaised with the shipping company about his discharge arrangements and subsequent repatriation back home.
“In preparation for his flight I provided him with a little spending money for the airport and some fresh clothing for travelling,” said Sr Marian.
Sr Marian also supported the seafarer’s crew mates, who were anxious and very concerned about him.
Earlier in the week she visited the ship before its departure to reassure his colleagues that the injured seafarer was making a good recovery.
“The incident reminds us of the high risk factor involved in seafaring on a daily basis,” said Sr Marian.