The Rev. Dr. Bill Allport, Chaplain, International Seafarers’ Center, Port of New York & New Jersey

From the June Quarterly Activity Report

A recent weekend maritime incident involved the capsizing of a recreational vessel in a southern coastal river channel that resulted in multiple fatalities. A nearby tugboat crew responded immediately after a deckhand exited the galley, witnessed the accident, and alerted the captain. The Coast Guard was promptly notified, and the tug diverted course to assist those in the water.

Following established safety protocols, the crew provided flotation devices and maintained a steady presence as they awaited further assistance. However, the scene was less than calm. The crew encountered individuals in visible distress, some distraught with fear for those potentially trapped beneath the vessel, and possible fatalities. Once released by the Coast Guard, the crew returned to their company’s dock and completed standard post-incident procedures and reporting. After departing for the evening, the crew was to resume duty the following day and continue their assignments. And yet, the company well understood the trauma their mariners had just experienced.

In light of this, SCI was invited by the tugboat company to deploy as soon as possible and provide Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) support and counseling for the crew and other personnel. Mark Nestlehutt reached out to Geoff Davis and me to assess our availability. Geoff could respond, but it was a day’s drive from New Orleans, while I had the potential to make the last flight out of Newark if I left immediately from my home in Pennsylvania. I quickly mobilized and was able to catch the flight. During my flight, Mark and I remained in contact with company staff to coordinate our arrival. I landed late, secured a rental car and hotel accommodations, and prepared to begin on-site support immediately.

The following morning, I met with various members of the company’s corporate and regional staff, offering counseling and helping coordinate the response as the vessel crew prepared for interviews with the U.S. Coast Guard and legal counsel. After those interviews, I arrived at the company berth, where I connected with local office staff and then met individually with the vessel crew—including the Captain, Engineer, and Deck Mate—to provide CISM support and pastoral care. During further time with the crew, I was invited to tour the vessel, gaining helpful context by visiting the berths, engine room, wheelhouse, and crew accommodations. I also met with additional port staff before concluding the day with a conversation alongside the regional VP and members of our SCI team.

The next day, I boarded the first flight back to Newark to resume my regular chaplaincy rounds, visiting ships and ministering to mariners throughout the Port of New York and New Jersey. But these CISM visits don’t leave us. For chaplains, they often involve dozens of sensitive conversations—both individual and group— connecting with all those affected by trauma, directly and indirectly. Though we return to our own routines, SCI’s commitment to follow-up remains, and I continued communication with the crew and relevant company staff in the days that followed.