When a fisherman fled his boat after allegedly being abused by the captain, he ended up stranded at Buchanan Street bus station in Glasgow.

Robert King, Regional Port Chaplain for Stella Maris at ports including Leith and Grangemouth, was informed of his plight and went to find him.

“I quickly identified the fisher, who was from Ghana, sitting on a bench looking scared and lost," he said.

"He had no money and was so grateful to see a friendly face. By now it was after 6:00pm and a storm was raging.

Stella Maris paid for a hotel room for the fisher to spend the night. He was glad to be away from the bus station and in the comfort of the hotel.

"I made sure he had a phone charger so he could keep in touch with his family and myself, and I gave him some money for essentials.”

“Because of the storm, he had to spend a second night in the hotel. Acting on advice from the International Transport Workers Federation, I persuaded the fisher to return to Campbeltown, where his boat was anchored, to report the alleged abuse by the captain to the local police station, which he did.”

A resolution was reached, and the fisher has now started working on a different vessel in Scotland. “He was very grateful for the assistance that I gave him,” said Robert.

A friend when one is needed

When seafarers and fishers arrive in a port, they are strangers in a foreign land.

They do not know the locals and often don’t know who to turn to when they need help.

Port chaplains and volunteer ship visitors from Stella Maris (the Catholic Church's maritime agency and formerly known as Apostleship of the Sea) are there for them.

They are concerned for the welfare of seafarers and fishers.

This year’s Gospel for Sea Sunday which falls on 13 July reminds us about the love and care that the Good Samaritan showed to the stranger that he found upon the road.

For seafarers and fishers, Stella Maris is that Good Samaritan.

Theor simple acts of kindness by Stella Maris port chaplains and ship visitors mean so much to seafarers who are far from home and feeling isolated.

On Sea Sunday, which falls on 13th July this year, let us pray for seafarers, fishers, and the work of Stella Maris.

Parishes have the option of having a special collection for Sea Sunday on 13 July. Donations can be made to Stella Maris here.