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Supporting Seafarers
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We all know how the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks changed air travel, but few realize how much it has affected those who do business on the sea. Kim Riemland reports on a ministry that reaches out to seafarers who sail into U.S. ports, but are no longer allowed to leave their ships. |
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Every year, about 1,000 ships pull in and out of Oregon’s Port of Portland, carrying 25,000 sailors from around the world.
Those aboard used to catch a ride into town for shopping or a phone call home, but since Sept. 11, strict security measures mean most seafarers aren’t allowed to set foot off their ships.
Volunteer: “This is the name of the vessels and the date and time when they’ll be coming.”
The changing tides have generated a new ministry. Members of Portland’s Seafarers Mission go to them to make sure they feel welcome.
Captain: “Welcome aboard.”
Joe Walker: “Glad to be here. Welcome to Portland.”
Captain Rufino Rejano Jr. is carrying 32,000 tons of cargo, and 20 Filipino men who don’t have paperwork to step onto U.S. soil.
Aristeo Canlas: “I have no U.S. visa. I can’t get out. I can’t even make a phone call.”
Aristeo Canlas has been away from home almost three months. Retired United Methodist pastor Joe Walker doesn’t want him or his fellow seamen to be forgotten.
Joe Walker: “They work hard. They are away from their families. They are basically lonely and they just need to know that somebody cares.”
Mission members bring small gifts. And they bring something more valuable than gold – access to a cell phone.
Aristeo gets to call Mom.
Aristeo: “Hello!”
This crew was in port for only a few days, but they’ll leave here knowing someone was glad they came.
In Portland, Ore., I’m Kim Riemland reporting.
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Most seafarers are from developing countries. Their wages are much lower than those of American sailors, but higher than what they can make in their home country. Some spend up to nine months at a time working onboard a ship, away from their families.