Even after learning that they would be laid off because their company had filed for reorganization — a result of economic fallout from the September 11, 2001 attacks — crew members from the ms Patriot and the Independence were intent on helping the victims.They proved their concern by unanimously voting to donate all of their crew funds — totaling $50,000 — to the New York State Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Foundation and the New York Firefighters 9/11 Disaster Relief Fund.
The unlicensed mariners are members of the Seafarers International Union. Licensed officers also contributed to the donations, which totaled $25,000 to each fund.
Last month, a check was presented to FOP officials at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Arrangements are being finalized to present the donation to the Firefighters.
“It seemed automatic,” recalled Seafarer Julie Teruya, a cabin steward who had sailed on both vessels. “We saw people in need and decided to help out. We realize the ships went bankrupt because of September 11, and this donation was just something we all wanted to do.”
“It was a heartfelt situation,” stated Laurie Victorino, a cabin steward on the Indy. “The whole ship was badly shaken and saddened. You want to reach out at a serious time of need. Personally, I wouldn’t second-guess if I should or I shouldn’t. It was an automatic thing.”
A ship’s fund is a voluntary account typically used to purchase items for use by the crew, such as movies, gym equipment or menu treats for holidays or other special occasions.
Altogether, hundreds of mariners were working on the two Hawaii-based, U.S.-flag cruise ships when the attacks occurred in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.
Charles Caputo, New York national trustee of the Grand Lodge FOP (an entity in charge of the fund), said that when he heard about the donations from the mariners, “I had a tear in my eye. These people are unbelievable in their generosity. We looked upon all the people throughout the country as our heroes, for what they were doing—not only for FOP, but also Firefighters and civilians.”
Caputo said he is “amazed” that donations still are coming in from throughout the nation. “The money will be distributed amongst the families who lost people in the World Trade Center law enforcements. We’re dividing it up and giving it just before Christmas.
“We do appreciate everything we get,” he added. “Being honest, New York thanks everybody, because the people who are giving are our heroes. We feel humbled.
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IAFF President Harold Schaitberger said that his union “appreciates the generosity of our brothers and sisters in the Seafarers, particularly considering the economic difficulties they faced at the time. As always, we stand in solidarity with the SIU.”
Teruya was aboard the Indy on September 11. “People were crying, and you could see passengers and crew members walking around in a daze,” she said. “We also had crew members who have family in New York, so you can imagine how upset they were.”
American Classic Voyages, which operated the two ships, filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in Wilmington, Del. on Oct. 19, 2001. Five days later, the Indy and Patriot crews voted to donate their funds.
“It’s another example of the SIU’s motto: Brotherhood of the Sea,” said Neil Dietz, the union’s Honolulu-based port agent. “The crew members from those ships treated each other like family, and they pulled together and were completely unselfish during a very difficult time. They deserve credit.”
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