By Michelle McWilliams, MSW

Chaplain, International Seafarers’ Center, Port of New York & New Jersey

From the June 2026 Quarterly Activity Report

During this quarter, one of the more significant interactions I had was with Pat, a Filipino OS aboard a car carrier. Back at the end of March, Aileen, the ISC’s evening driver, called to inform me that a seafarer had reached out through our WhatsApp number and wanted to speak to a Chaplain. I asked Aileen to have the chat sent to me in an email and include their WhatsApp contact as well. 

Pat provided a detailed account of an incident aboard the ship involving him and an AB (Able Seaman).  “An AB physically attacked me; he pushed and kicked me,” Pat said. “Earlier that morning, I was painting the ventilators while the AB was removing rust nearby using a jet chisel. When I approached his area, I asked if I could paint the adjacent ventilator. He responded, ‘Do not shout!’ But I was not shouting. I only raised my voice so he could hear me because the area was very noisy and he was operating the jet chisel.” Pat continued: “Then, at approximately 11:55 a.m., near the deck store by the basketball court, the AB pushed me. The OS tried to stop him. Because he had become very aggressive, I immediately went to the bridge. The Third Officer was there, and I briefly explained the situation. He then called the Captain. I informed the Captain about the incident, and he asked me why it happened. I explained what the AB had said: that he became angry because he believed I had shouted at him.”

After reaching out by email and WhatsApp, Pat responded late in the evening. During the conversation, we were able to safety plan further and discuss his mental and physical health. While we messaged back and forth, his main concerns following the assault were fear for his safety, emotional distress, and uncertainty about how to proceed while still at sea. He described feeling isolated, very anxious about retaliation, and unsure of his rights when back in the Philippines. Also, the imbalance he felt from his own countrymen, all unlicensed crew like himself, made the environment feel confined and particularly high-risk for him.

As a chaplain, this situation highlighted both the ongoing vulnerabilities faced by maritime workers and the importance of timely remote psychosocial support. Fortunately, the Chief Officer and Captain were very supportive of Pat, although such support is not always present in similar situations. Access to internet connectivity at sea proved vital, as it helped overcome the isolation experienced onboard and allowed chaplains to provide care and support from a distance. It also created a safe and confidential space where Pat could openly share his experience without fear of judgment. My role involved active listening, providing emotional and spiritual support in keeping with my chaplaincy ministry, and offering practical guidance related to safety planning and appropriate referrals. 

Pat intended to complete his contract due to financial reasons. Once this was established, I provided guidance, and several key steps were taken, including a risk assessment to evaluate both the immediate and ongoing threats, such as concerns related to physical safety, mental health, and the potential for further escalation of the conflict. Safety planning was also undertaken, building upon the protections already in place while identifying trusted individuals onboard (including the Captain, Chief Officer, and Third Officer, all of whom were Ukrainian) as points of contact for support and for reporting any further incidents.  

In addition, I encouraged Pat to safely document all encounters by preserving photographs, timelines, and witness accounts in order to maintain evidence. I also advised him to prioritize personal safety by maintaining radio communication with the bridge at all times. To help manage anxiety and trauma symptoms while still at sea, I recommended short-term coping strategies such as grounding techniques, cognitive distraction, and maintaining regular contact with family back home through available technology.  

I also referred him to Phil Schifflin, SCI’s advocacy lawyer, as well as to the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), in order to help ease his fears of possible retaliation upon returning home. Lastly, I assured Pat of ongoing follow-up support through periodic check-ins via WhatsApp over the following months to monitor his situation, adjust safety plans as needed, and continue providing emotional support and pastoral care.  

While all of these steps were impactful, the human and relational aspect of active listening and reflection proved most meaningful for him. Being reminded that he was doing everything within his power and taking the appropriate steps seemed to resonate with Pat. He shared that he needed to hear those affirmations — to feel acknowledged, reassured, and genuinely heard. I am happy to report that, as of yesterday, he stated that he is doing “a lot better now.” All protective measures onboard have remained in place despite officer contract rotations, and he still has four months remaining on his contract. Throughout our interactions, he has continued to express deep appreciation and gratitude for the support provided. His resilience and sense of agency have remained strong throughout this experience. This intervention further reinforced the importance of accessible welfare and support services for seafarers who often work under isolated and high-pressure conditions. 

This case reminded me of the unique pressures of life at sea: limited escape options and the potential for conflicts to escalate quickly. Providing support through WhatsApp demonstrated both its limitations (lack of in-person presence) and its strengths (immediacy and accessibility across vast distances). I felt a deep sense of responsibility and empathy during the exchanges. Challenges included ensuring sensitivity and clear communication and expectations, as well as managing my own emotional response to hearing distressing accounts without visual cues. I am grateful for the opportunity to be there for Pat during a vulnerable time and will continue to prioritize responsive, compassionate support in my chaplaincy and social work role. This intervention aligns with our organization’s mission to uphold the dignity and well-being of those who work at sea.