Vatican statements salutes merchant sailors who help endangered migrants
July 01, 2015
In a message for “Sea Sunday,” which will be observed on July 12, the Pontifical Council for Migrants pays special tribute to “the great humanitarian effort made by the crews of merchant vessels that without hesitation, sometimes risking their own life, have engaged in many rescue operations saving thousands of migrants lives.”
The statement notes that the maritime profession involves hardships and risks that are not often appreciated until disaster strikes. In addition to long voyages and restricted living spaces, the statement calls attention to the threats of piracy and the restrictions that sailors face in many ports even when they have shore leave.
However, the statement dwells at some length on the “by-now daily task of rescuing thousands and thousands of migrants.” The code of maritime life obliges sailors to rescue people who are in danger at sea, the Pontifical Council notes. But the huge number of migrants who need help puts a heavy strain on seafarers.
The Vatican statement, released on July 1, was signed by Cardinal Antonio Maria Veglio and Bishop Joseph Kalathiparambil, the president and secretary, respectively, of the Pontifical Council for Migrants.
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