On Friday 4th February, the 100,000 ton tanker 'Overseas Josefa Camejo', crewed by 25 Filipino seafarers, anchored off Brixham, following the stabbing to death of her Master by a crew member. Although the crew member was believed to have jumped overboard following the incident this was not certain and, as a result, the ship was sealed off as a crime scene and armed police spent several hours onboard searching the vessel.

Although when 'at work' I wear the uniform of The Seamens' Christian Friend Society (SCFS), within Brixham itself I am regarded as a 'familiar face' and I never require any form of identity within the port area itself. This incident, however, saw the port virtually sealed off by the Police. Because of the nature of the incident a large number of TV crews and spectators also gathered. I therefore decided to wear my official Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB) Ship Welfare Visitor Identity Card, which predominantly displays the SCFS logo. This proved to be an invaluable decision. The Brixham Shipping Agents who were dealing with the ship's owners, saw my ID Card for the first time and chose to see me not only as being the 'Mission Man' but also as an accredited MNWB Ship Welfare Visitor. As the Owner's Representative who travelled to Brixham is on the MNWB Tyne Ports Welfare Committee, my 'status' was instantly recognised.

The ship owner brought the widow of the Master over to the UK and throughout the week I found myself wearing two hats. First, with the credibility of the ID card behind me I had the privilege of assisting the owners with matters such as dealing with the Funeral Directors and providing them with the benefit of my local knowledge. Secondly, with the support of my own Society and at the request of the owners, I acted as liaison with the Swedish Seamen's Mission in Stockholm for Chaplains and Priests to be available to visit the ship on arrival both in Sweden and then in Estonia.

Quite clearly this was very much a ‘one-off’ incident, in which I found myself dealing with the Police and others from outside the immediate area. Nonetheless, in this dramatic situation I am delighted to report that the MNWB Ship Welfare Visitor Identity Card had a real impact and gave me the recognition, freedom to act and credibility with outside organisations that I believe would otherwise have been denied me.

Peter Haywood
SCFS Brixham

Posted: 2005-03-21

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