From the Living Church-The Seamen’s Church Institute of New York and New Jersey awarded the first “Courage at Sea Award” on June 11 to Captain Richard Phillips, who surrendered himself to Somali pirates in April to save the lives of his crew. He was rescued by Navy Seals on Easter Day after five days in captivity.
More than 900 guests from the church and maritime industry gave Capt. Phillips two standing ovations as he accepted the award during the SCI’s annual Silver Bells Award dinner in New York City. Church leaders in attendance included the Rt. Rev. Mark Sisk, Bishop of New York, and the Rev. James Cooper, rector of the Parish of Trinity Church Wall Street.
In introducing Capt. Phillips, Douglas Stevenson, SCI director of the Center for Seafarer’s Rights, said Capt. Phillips, captain of the cargo ship Maersk Alabama, exemplified true leadership. He “reacted to an imminent threat with careful consideration for the safety of his crew by telling them to lock themselves up while he surrendered himself to the pirates. He made this heroic choice without knowing what the outcome would be or what further sacrifice he would be asked to make. But his choice saved the lives of his crew.”
Founded in 1834 and celebrating its 175th anniversary, the SCI serves as an agency of The Episcopal Church that works ecumenically to provide pastoral care, legal advocacy, and maritime education to seafarers and port chaplains worldwide.
http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2009/6/16/sci-honors-captain-held-captive
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