Today, on Easter Sunday I visited the bulk carrier 'MV Amakusa Island'. The ship has a Korean captain and chief engineer. The rest of the crew were all Philippinos.The ship had been at Roberts Bank in February so I knew most of the crew members.When I entered the ship's office and met with six of the crew members I noticed a certain tension or unhappiness among these men. I asked if there were any problems on board the ship. The problem was with the captain."We've never had a captain like this" was the answer of the first engineer, as the others nodded in agreement. I can only imagine how difficult it must be when there is tension among crew members because of personality etc.
But then they started talking about the tragedy that had happened after they had left Roberts Bank. On March 9th, off the coast of Alaska, during very bad weather,a crew member found the second engineer dead in his cabin. An autopsy later showed that he had died from a massive heart attack. They tried to resuscitate him but to no avail.
In earlier days a seafarer's final resting place would be in the sea. Things have changed in today's world of shipping. The deceased was put in the ship's freezer where they store their frozen food, till the ship arrived in Japan.The second engineer leaves behind a wife and two sons in the Philippines. Both sons are also employed on a ship somewhere in the world. While I listened to the stories I noticed a few tears.I asked if they were all Christians. " Yes ", they answered! They also told me that the second engineer was a very fine and committed Christian. For me it was an opportunity to share with them the Good News of the resurrection of our Lord and the confidence we have of eternal life if we believe and put our trust in Jesus Christ.
It was an experience on this Easter Sunday I had not expected.
