By Revd Iain Dickson – January 2024
Some call it freedom—the open ocean, the endless horizon, the rhythm of waves and wind. And yes, many love the sea. They’re proud to serve on ships that criss-cross the globe, keeping the wheels of global trade turning. But that so-called freedom? It comes at a price.
Seafarers often spend six to nine months away from home. For those with young families, the distance cuts even deeper. They miss birthdays, anniversaries, first steps. They miss Sunday lunches, bedtime stories, the daily ordinary moments that knit a family together.
The Hidden Cost of a Seafarer’s Life
At the Seafarers Mission, we see this sacrifice up close. And every so often, a story comes along that brings it into sharper focus.
In July 2023, it was the Achilles Bulker. A logging vessel that suffered a critical failure while docked at the Port of Tauranga—its rudder detached, leaving the crew stranded for 163 days. That’s five and a half months confined to their ship. No sailing. No heading home.
Just waiting. Their ship became both a refuge and a prison.
What Most People Don’t Know
Here’s the thing: Seafarers operate on contracts—typically six to nine months on board, followed by three months at home before the next voyage. Crews rotate frequently, and just when you’ve gotten used to one team, they’re gone.
But the men aboard the Achilles Bulker? They stayed together far longer than planned. They became more than just shipmates. They became family. And like any family, you don’t get to choose who you’re with. You simply learn to adapt—and look out for each other.
What We Did: Showing Up with What We Had
Our team—Ship Welfare Officers and volunteers from the Seafarers’ Centre—stepped in to help however we could. Over those five and a half months, we provided:
- Pastoral care and emotional support
- Free Wi-Fi so they could connect with family
- Warm beanies and essential winter supplies
- Snacks and comfort items to lift morale
- Outings to the local mall and Mount Maunganui for a change of scenery
- Fishing tackle—yes, fishing tackle!
That last one turned out to be gold. On their 50-day journey back to China, they caught 250-pound yellowfin tuna. We like to think that brought some joy and stories for the long voyage home.
A Moment I’ll Never Forget
The day before their departure, I stood beside the captain on the deck. We prayed together—a blessing over him, his crew, and their journey. The next day, the Villianz Prestige tugboat towed the Achilles Bulker out of Tauranga Harbour.
As they disappeared into the horizon, I couldn’t help but wonder: How many more tuna would they catch? And more importantly…How would it feel to finally be home?
Why This Matters
At sea, there is no true safe haven. The work is hard. The loneliness is real. And the sacrifices go largely unseen. But with the right support, no one has to face those challenges alone.
That’s what the Mission exists to do—offer belonging, compassion, and practical help to those who spend their lives in motion.
You Can Be Part of This Story
If this story moved you, consider joining us:
- Volunteer at the Centre
- Donate to support our work
- Share this blog to spread awareness
- Or simply pray for the thousands of seafarers far from home today
Because a warm meal, a kind word, or a simple act of care can anchor a soul in stormy waters.
