The Mission’s centre in Seattle is a place to hang out, play pool, a change of pace from the monotony of a ship, which has no Internet, no TV, just some DVDs.
There is a computer, and a television, and, if you want, the driver can stop by a convenience store so you can buy a beer.
“We get lonely, but we need to work for our family,” says seaman Fior.
The sailors are not what you’d call demonstrative about personal stuff.
Last summer six seafarers were killed in one week off the remote coast of Western Australia. The Revd Ian McGilvray talks of the tragedy in Port Dampier and his work with the bereaved and traumatised seafarers.