Toamasina

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.

Left to right: Capt Tsimijaly Bosela, Fr Stanislaw Kazek, Félix Randrianasoavina and Vanessa Alumbro during the service held to bless the crew.

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.

Crew members during the service

Blessing the ship

After the 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 the Botany Tribute during her Port stay in Toamasina.

It has indeed being a very difficult time for the Master, officers and crew onboard the Botany Tribute and I’m sure your prayers will help heal the pain for which we say thank you.

Visitors and crew onboard the M/V Botany Tribute

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