Toamasina, Madagascar
 Following
the death of a colleague onboard, a crew needed spiritual
support in the port of Toamasina.
In August 2007, Indian officer Amrik Singh sadly died at
sea. A few days later, his ship M/v Botany Tribute arrived
in the port of Toamasina in Madagascar. The ship was due to
leave Toamasina the same day making it impossible to arrange
for repatriation of the body. This would be done later when
the ship reached Durban.
However for the Filipino crew members, it was important
to have a blessing ceremony for themselves and their ship.
AOS port chaplain Fr Stanislaw Kazek and national director
of AOS Madagascar Félix Randrianasoavina responded to the
crew’s request. They were assisted by Mrs Vanessa Alumbro, a
Filipina lady who works in the port, and Captain Tsimijaly
Bosela, a merchant navy officer. All four work together at
the Toamasina Seamen’s Club.
A
service for the crew was held onboard the ship, led by Fr
Kazek. Then the seafarers and visitors walked around the
ship while Fr Kazek sprinkled holy water in an act of
blessing.
 After
M/v Botany Tribute had sailed from Toamasina, the
Master, Captain P. B. Rao, sent photographs of the event to
the Seamen’s Club together with this message: Appreciate
very much the help and support rendered to all on board.
A representative of the ship’s agents also sent a message
of thanks:
On behalf of the Vessels Technical
Management team, we thank you and your parish for visiting
and sharing the faith with our sea staff onboard M/v Botany
Tribute during her Port stay in Toamasina.
It has indeed being a very
difficult time for the Master, officers and crew onboard M/v
Botany Tribute and I’m sure your prayers will help heal the
pain for which we say thank you.
Photographs:
(1) Capt Tsimijaly Bosela & Fr Stanislaw Kazek, during the
service held to bless the crew. (2)
Visitors and crew onboard the M/v Botany Tribute. |