Seafarers International House

10/24/2026

A fun report from our Port Chaplain, Pastor Tammy in Houston: "A few weeks ago, I had a wonderful ship visit on the Transbaltic. The crew on the bulk carrier had travelled over 20 days from Walvis Bay, Namibia, to Houston, TX.

When I went up the gangway, I was greeted by three Russians who explained that only four crew members had visas. I told them I understood and that I had come simply to support and encourage them. They mentioned that most of the crew are Muslims, and I assured them that this fine with me. Because the seafarers were busy with loading and unloading, I asked if I could just leave some items for the crew, and they agreed.

So, I brought out my box of miniature animal and Jesus figurines. Two crew members immediately began digging through the animal box looking for a cat, - I need to bring more cats next time. We eventually poured out all the animals, and several curious crew members joined us. A couple asked for the Jesus figures as did a few dock workers I encountered afterwards, all appreciating the token of love and compassion.

In the end, the crew of Russians, Ukrainians, and Indonesians gathered, acting like children and enjoying the moment. We had a harmonic half an hour together talking, laughing, and sorting through the miniature animals. It was beautiful."

10/17/2026

As life at sea is becoming more dangerous with increased drone attacks on merchant vessels, let us think of those seafarers and try to spread the joy of Christmas like our friends at Holy Trinity, Hasbrouck Heights NJ will do early November. If you want to cheer seafarers up, you will find ideas how to here: https://www.sihnyc.org/christmas-at-sea

10/14/2026

A bittersweet day as Pastor Marsh blessed the recommissioning of the "Hunts Point" ship in service for NYC Department of Environmental Protection and, at the same time, remembering Chief Engineer Ray Feige who lost his life onboard in a tragic accident. Thank you to Capt. Alexandra Hagerty for the beautiful service.

10/13/2026

Seafarers International House board member and Port of Albany CEO Rich Hendrick has been elected Chair of American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA)!
Recently, Rich was unanimously elected Chair of the Board of Directors of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) at its Annual Convention in New Orleans. AAPA represents more than 130 public port authorities in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America. Congratulations Rich and thank you for your service!

10/10/2026

“God’s Work, Our Hands” was lived out loud at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church RVC a few Sundays ago as many came together to purchase supplies and assemble satchels letting seafarers know we appreciate their service, especially when they are out at sea for the Holidays. ❄🚢It is still time to participate and to spread the joy of Christmas 🔔. Here is how: https://www.sihnyc.org/christmas-at-sea 🎄

10/07/2026

Prayers are needed for the seafarers involved: Yesterday, a drone sank a merchant vessel off Bulgaria. In all, two ships were hit in the attack ... The crew of one, which was carrying grain, was rescued, with two injured. The other, which sank, was a Togo-flagged ship whose cargo was not disclosed. It is unclear how many people were on board. A search has been launched for the missing crew and for any signs of an environmental threat. Learn more about this attack at
https://www.reuters.com/world/drones-strike-two-ships-bulgarias-black-sea-zone-president-2026-10-06/

10/03/2026

Our Baltimore port chaplain, Vitalii, recently visited these seafarers. They discussed how the crises in the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea are affecting seafarers and shipping. With the Francis Scott Key Bridge behind them, they asked about the Dali crew. After the ship accidentally struck the bridge in March 2024, causing its collapse and killing six construction workers, the crew was detained; fewer than five remain in Baltimore for questioning. Luckily, the International Seafarers' Center is a place where they can meet other seafarers and play shuffleboard.

09/29/2026

Look who made 298 scarves for seafarers from landlocked Christ Lutheran Church, Minot 🎅💒 Thanks for reading the PortCall Newsletter too. (https://www.sihnyc.org/_files/ugd/0a725f_2e3b5eed9f494724943ebea10bbe91c9.pdf)

Our Hands of Prayer group keep each other in stitches as they knit and crochet scarves, prayer shawls and washcloths. Last week they sent 298 scarves to Seafarers International House to keep seafarers warm as they come into port, and they sent 30 scarves to Minot State University. If you are a knitter or crocheter you are always welcome to join in on the first Monday of each month at 2pm.

09/26/2026

Our Fall PortCall Newsletter is out and covers "What is never paid for at sea," and "Why they must flee from their home land."
Here is the link to the full newsletter as PDF:https://www.sihnyc.org/_files/ugd/0a725f_2e3b5eed9f494724943ebea10bbe91c9.pdf