THE START OF THE SHIP VISIT IN THE PORT OF ALGECIRAS

The gentle sea breeze embraces the people and it announces the beginning of the warm season. It is June and it is the beginning of the summer season! For many people, it is a season to relax and enjoy the sunny days. For us, who are in the organisation of supporting and promoting the welfare of the seafarers, it is also a warm moment that gives us hope and courage to continue our mission. In the beginning of June, we were given permit to access terminals and ports under the port authority of  Algeciras.

The access that was given to us is a great opportunity for the Stella Maris to start one of its regular activities ; the ship visitation. Although we have not started yet visiting the ship which are docked in the private terminals, we already started visiting seafarers onboard in some of the terminals where we have access. There, we met seafarers from India, China, Philippines, and Sri Lanka. Every moment of encounter with them was a treasure as they shared their journeys of hope in life. Every story they told, was a lesson and a memory that left an imprint in our hearts. They encourage us to do our best to support them in many ways.  

It was also amazing to discover that many seafarers have already known Stella Maris or they have already met Stella Maris in some ports around the world. For this reason, they asked us something about the regular services of Stella Maris such as transportation services, Stella Maris Center, Communication Services, etc. Unfortunately, we have just started the presence of the Stella Maris in the Port of Algeciras and what we can offer as of now is Ship Visit, dialogue with the seafarers and communication services. We do not have yet Center where seafarers can visit to stay for some moments of relax, recreation and even just to have a place that can be called “a home away from home”. We do not have yet a car to offer transportation services to the seafarers within the port. There is still a lot of work to do.

As an advocate of the seafarers’ welfare, what we are doing so far is very minimal response in front of this important maritime reality. The port of Algeciras is a key point of passage in the Strait of Gibraltar that handles around 29,000 vessel calls per year, including over 100 megaships, according to the Port Technology International. It is our hope to inspire people who are advocates of seafarers’ welfare to be involved in the mission of the Stella Maris so that we can create a community that care for our brothers and sisters in the maritime world. May Jesus Christ, through the intercession of our Mother, Mary the Star of the Sea, continue to guide and protect all seafarers and  port workers.

Fr. Jovannie Postrano Serrano, CS