Caught in the Net, forgotten Seafarer

Few years ago was invited by the Chaplin of Apostle of the Sea, Porto Mormugao to make a presentation on the plight of the Fisher men and the hardships they face.

The theme was 'Caught in the Net', a slogan that expresses the concern for people who work and live by the sea. Problems related to this life include conditions such as the oppression of the workforce and the trafficking of people.

Stella Maris is the patron of the Apostleship of the Sea

I still remember as a 18 year old cadet I used to wait for the ship to come to port and would be overjoyed to welcome the members from the apostleship of the sea and get a ride with them to the seaman's centre to make a phone call, talk to the others, hear mass and even get books back for the vessel.

The best feeling was during Christmas, when the chaplains and the communities?used to bring small little gifts for every seafarer on board.

Over the years when I became Captain I ensured the Chaplin came on board and celebrated Mass for my crew members or shared a meal with us.?I'm grateful for all the emotional help and empathy I’ve received from the Apostleship of the sea and the mission to seafarer's.

For some reason the fishermen are looked down upon even by society in several countries, they are considered as low caste and do not get the respect

Most fishermen?are away from their families for many months?its a huge sacrifice that often reflects negatively on family life. Mothers are left alone, forced to play multiple roles with children growing up with an absent father.

Spent several days in various jetties and interacting with several fishermen and thats how I came up with this presentation; The true hero's, the Forgotten seafarers our Fishermen Caught in the net

It included several topics including

• The tough living conditions
• Lack of safety awareness and lack of wearing PPE?
• The physical effects of lifting heavy baskets of fish and ice
• Children used a s Labor
• Fishermen exposed to perils of the sea, eg sinking, collision?
• The vulnerability of fishing communities to HIV and AIDS

The presentation was well received by , " Your grace bishop Oswald Lewis from Jaipur" ,?Rev Fathers Chaplin's of the Sea from various states in India, Fisheries Director of Goa, and members of the CMMI Goa chapter. On completion there was a very interactive session followed by Q & A ?

I was very honored to be told that several of my slides and content would be discussed at the The 24th Apostleship of the Sea World Congress (第 24 屆 海洋 使徒 世界 大會) that was held in Kaohsiung, the largest port city of southern Taiwan.

A humble request to all who read this article do think about our fishermen who are facing a lot hardships. Also appreciate all the selfless work put in by Apostleship of the Sea units all round the world.