A Stella Maris port chaplain in Mauritius has provided pastoral support to the crew of a bulk carrier after the apparent murder of the ship’s captain.
Namely, Fr. Jacques Henri-David went on board the Meghna Liberty on Saturday 27th November, to support the Filipino crew left traumatised by their colleague’s death.
According to media reports, the chef of the Bangladesh-registered ship confessed to stabbing the captain while the vessel was sailing in the Indian Ocean. It has been suggested that there had been an ongoing dispute between the captain and the chef.
I held a prayer service, and the crew members were encouraged to speak about how the incident had affected them. It was very poignant; but thankfully the service and blessing of the ship provided comfort and relief to them
said Fr Jacques, who is the global maritime charity’s chaplain in Port Louis.
Afte r the cook’s confession, the ship’s officers were able to break down the door to the captain’s cabin. They found him lying in a pool of blood and attempted to revive him, but it was too late.
The vessel was diverted to Mauritius, arriving in Port Louis on 22nd November, where the chef was handed over to the police.
A new captain and chief cook were due to join the ship on Monday 29th November.
