Seafarer repatriated after fall from cargo ship into port water


Sister Marian Davey of the AoS at the Port of Felixstowe
A seafarer who had a narrow escape after falling overboard from a ship berthed at Britain’s biggest container port has been flown home to be with his family for Christmas and New Year.

11:02 29 December 2015

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The Filipino man was supported by seafarers’ charity Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) after the accident in Harwich Harbour.
The man was working on a vessel at the Port of Felixstowe when he had the accident, falling into the water.
Colleagues 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 the little strength he had left, assisted by his crew mates.
He was then taken to Ipswich Hospital, where he received medical attention and was kept in for observation overnight.
AoS Felixstowe port chaplain Sister 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.
Sister Marian said: “In preparation for his flight I provided him with a little spending money for the airport and some fresh clothing for travelling.”
She also supported the seafarer’s crew mates, who were anxious and very concerned about him.
Last 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.
Staff from the AoS, a registered charity and agency of the Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of England, Wales and Scotland, work at Felixstowe Seafarers’ Centre to support crews working away from home and separated from their family and loved ones for long periods.


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