Posted:
October 11, 2015
The following letter was sent by International Propeller Club of the United States International President Rick Schiappacasse and Executive Vice President R. Andrew Riester.
The past week has been a difficult one for all of us with ties to the maritime community, as we learned first that the American-flagged SS El Faro was missing, then confirmed lost. Together, we held out hope, praying for some good word as the U.S. Coast Guard and other mariners searched diligently for the vessel and her crew.
With the news this week that the search has been suspended, the question has turned to how to support the families of those mariners in this time of loss. It is a question we have heard from many of you.
We learned Friday that TOTE Maritime, the vessel's owner, has worked with the Seamen's Church Institute (SCI) to create the El Faro Family Relief Fund. SCI, North America's largest mariner service agency will administer the fund, and will ensure that 100% of all donations will go to the families of the crew.
Donations to the El Faro Family Relief Fund can be made on-line via the SCI website, and additional information is available at TOTE Maritime's incident information website.
In a blog post on Thursday, the Rev. David Rider, SCI President and Executive director wrote:
"All of us hope in mariners. Sadly, most of us don't realize how much. We don't appreciate how the vast waters of our planet unite distant continents, enabling a network of global transport. Every one of us benefits from mariners' hard work and skill ... We cannot let the work of mariners and their (and their families') sacrifices stay hidden nor be forgotten."
As members of the Propeller Club, we have a special opportunity to respond to those words. Let us continue to use our collective voice to share with others the importance of the maritime industry and to honor the hard work, skill and sacrifice that mariners offer to all of us. And let us continue to be in prayer for these 33 seafarers and their families left behind.
Remembering and honoring the crew of the SS El Faro
The following letter was sent by International Propeller Club of the United States International President Rick Schiappacasse and Executive Vice President R. Andrew Riester.
The past week has been a difficult one for all of us with ties to the maritime community, as we learned first that the American-flagged SS El Faro was missing, then confirmed lost. Together, we held out hope, praying for some good word as the U.S. Coast Guard and other mariners searched diligently for the vessel and her crew.
With the news this week that the search has been suspended, the question has turned to how to support the families of those mariners in this time of loss. It is a question we have heard from many of you.
We learned Friday that TOTE Maritime, the vessel's owner, has worked with the Seamen's Church Institute (SCI) to create the El Faro Family Relief Fund. SCI, North America's largest mariner service agency will administer the fund, and will ensure that 100% of all donations will go to the families of the crew.
Donations to the El Faro Family Relief Fund can be made on-line via the SCI website, and additional information is available at TOTE Maritime's incident information website.
In a blog post on Thursday, the Rev. David Rider, SCI President and Executive director wrote:
"All of us hope in mariners. Sadly, most of us don't realize how much. We don't appreciate how the vast waters of our planet unite distant continents, enabling a network of global transport. Every one of us benefits from mariners' hard work and skill ... We cannot let the work of mariners and their (and their families') sacrifices stay hidden nor be forgotten."
As members of the Propeller Club, we have a special opportunity to respond to those words. Let us continue to use our collective voice to share with others the importance of the maritime industry and to honor the hard work, skill and sacrifice that mariners offer to all of us. And let us continue to be in prayer for these 33 seafarers and their families left behind.