by Bridgit Patterson

Communications Associate

October 1, 2015, is a date forever etched in the minds of those in the U.S. maritime industry as it marks the tragic loss of thirty-three lives when the SS El Faro succumbed to the devastating force of Hurricane Joaquin, sinking 40 nautical miles northeast of Crooked Island, Bahamas, during its regular route from Jacksonville, Florida, to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Ten years on, the Seamen’s Church Institute takes pause, not only to honor their memory but to reflect on the efforts and support initiated in the wake of this tragedy.

In the days following the sinking, long-standing and beloved SCI Board member, the late James “Jim” Lawrence, and then Director of SCI’s Center for Seafarers’ Rights* Douglas Stevenson, Esq., were instrumental in discussions with the ship’s owner, TOTE Maritime, which led to SCI being asked to set up and administer a relief fund 18 for the families of those who had perished aboard the El Faro. In its earliest days, the fund offered families vital day-to-day assistance, helping cover essentials like food, clothing, housing, and utilities. By 2017, the remaining balance was redirected to create educational grants for the children of the mariners who had perished. Throughout this process, all funds went directly to supporting the families of the deceased—SCI did not take a fee for its role.

Reflecting on this important responsibility, SCI’s Director of Finance, Leslie O’Neal, who was on staff at the time of the tragedy, shared: “SCI was deeply honored to be entrusted with this duty, and privileged to contribute to such a generous, compassionate effort to support seafarers and their families during an unimaginably difficult time.” Remaining committed to our mission of serving the maritime community with compassion, dependability, and integrity, SCI also went beyond financial stewardship to provide additional pastoral care, walking beside loved ones as they navigated unimaginable grief. “It became clear,” recalled SCI Chaplain, the Rev. Kempton Baldridge, “that establishing a presence in Jacksonville, Florida, where the vessel hailed from and where family members had gathered, was crucial.”

“It became a ‘ministry of presence,’” Baldridge said. “I was there to sit side-by-side with the grieving loved ones as they endured hours of court proceedings. I let them know that I was available to pray with them, lead a Bible study, provide counseling, or even assist with practical needs such as airport runs or transportation.”

A year later, in October of 2016, a memorial service was held at Dames Point Park in Jacksonville, providing an opportunity for the families to come together on the first anniversary of the tragedy. TOTE Maritime had worked with the city of Jacksonville to establish this small public park along the banks of the St. Johns River that would serve as the backdrop for a statue designed to memorialize the 33 lives lost. Placing their trust in SCI once more, members of TOTE Maritime’s executive staff approached the Rev. David Rider, now retired, but then SCI’s President & Executive Director, with the responsibility of presiding over the first anniversary memorial service. “There was no playbook for something like this,” Rider noted, reflecting upon the care and consideration leading up to the service, which culminated in a powerful and meaningful experience for all those present.

Following Rider’s words of remembrance, family members of the lost crew leaned on one another as the names of their loved ones were read aloud, and in the solemn silence as a bell was rung 33 times, once for each of the fallen. What followed was an opportunity for fellowship between grieving loved ones, as well as members of SCI and TOTE Maritime, which has endured ever since.

In the years following, David Rider received an invitation from TOTE Maritime to return and preside over subsequent anniversary services held at the SS El Faro memorial. Rider shared, “It is a great honor bestowed upon SCI to once again be recognized as that charitable, trusted third-party for the maritime industry,” he explained. For the tenth anniversary, SCI Trustee, the Rev. Kristin Kaulbach Miles, presided over the ceremony to provide pastoral leadership and to be present with the seafarers’ families, TOTE staff, and many others who marked this significant anniversary.”

The tenth anniversary of the tragic sinking of the El Faro is not only an occasion for remembrance—honoring the 33 lives lost and the families forever changed—but also an underscoring of SCI’s mission of safeguarding those who choose a life at sea. —Bridgit Patterson, Communications Associate

The tenth anniversary of the tragic sinking of the El Faro is not only an occasion for remembrance—honoring the 33 lives lost and the families forever changed—but also an underscoring of SCI’s mission of safeguarding those who choose a life at sea. As SCI’s President & Executive Director, the Rev. Mark Nestlehutt reflected: “From the sinking of the Titanic to the sinking of the El Faro, SCI has stood at the water’s edge in moments of crisis. This anniversary reminds us of what can go wrong, of the inherent risks of life at sea, and we strengthen our resolve to work tirelessly for seafarers’ safety and to support the maritime community, including the family members of seafarers.”

*Now known as SCI’s Center for Mariner Advocacy