John Attenborough is a dedicated Port Chaplain in Southampton for the Mission to Seafarers, an organization committed to the well-being of seafarers from all nations and backgrounds. His journey to this role is an interesting one, starting in the hotel and catering industry before a suggestion led him to the Mission. For over two decades, John Attenborough has been a steadfast presence in ports around the world, offering support and friendship to those who work at sea.
John Attenborough’s career with the Mission to Seafarers has taken him to various ports, beginning in Immingham, followed by postings in Mombasa, Antwerp, Port of Tilbury, and the Medway. For the last two and a half years, Southampton has been his base. This extensive experience has provided John Attenborough with a deep understanding of the diverse needs of seafarers and the unique challenges they face.
The Mission to Seafarers, as John Attenborough explains, is dedicated to the social and spiritual welfare of all seafarers, irrespective of their origin, race, or beliefs. The Mission’s core principle is to offer practical assistance and a welcoming presence to seafarers who are often far from home. John Attenborough embodies this mission by offering a friendly face and a helping hand in what can be a foreign and isolating environment for many seafarers. He emphasizes the welcoming aspect of their work, referencing the biblical quote, “I was a stranger, and you welcomed me,” as a guiding principle.
A typical day for John Attenborough begins early, coordinating with his assistant before heading into the bustling port of Southampton. Their days are spent visiting ships that have arrived overnight. The needs of the crews are varied. Some require practical assistance like internet access to connect with loved ones, while others simply appreciate a friendly conversation or the chance to explore the city. John Attenborough and his team facilitate these needs, understanding that even small gestures can make a significant difference in a seafarer’s day. Afternoons are usually spent in the office, dealing with administrative tasks, emails, and engaging with volunteers who are crucial to the Mission’s operations.
John Attenborough shared an insightful example of a typical day, highlighting the diverse needs they encounter. On one occasion, visiting an Indian container ship, some crew members needed telecommunication products, while another sought advice on visiting London with his wife who was onboard. On another ship, a Romanian crew needed transportation to the city. This is a common request, as seafarers often lack local currency and face challenges with transportation. John Attenborough and the Mission provide free transport, enabling them to exchange currency and purchase necessities, a practical service that is highly valued.
John Attenborough notes the implicit understanding and trust seafarers place in the Mission. They recognize the Christian foundation of the organization, which provides a basis of trust and reliability in their interactions. This inherent trust allows John Attenborough and his team to effectively offer support without needing to explain their motivations constantly.
As John Attenborough points out, the UK, as an island nation, is heavily reliant on seafarers who bring in essential goods. These individuals, while vital to the economy, often remain unseen and underappreciated by the wider society. John Attenborough advocates for recognizing and supporting these “people on the edge of our society,” emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the container ships alongside passenger liners, as they deliver the daily necessities that people often take for granted.
While many seafarers, particularly those from Asia, are religious, John Attenborough adopts a respectful approach to faith. He does not proactively initiate religious discussions but remains open to conversations if seafarers wish to engage on that level. He respects their autonomy as adults to choose when and if they want to discuss their faith.
John Attenborough acknowledges the presence of other maritime welfare organizations in Southampton, such as the Sailors’ Society and the Apostleship of the Sea. He clarifies that the Mission to Seafarers operates inclusively, serving all seafarers regardless of their faith or denomination. This collaborative yet distinct approach ensures comprehensive support for the maritime community.
For John Attenborough, honesty and authenticity are key in his role. His nine years in Mombasa profoundly impacted him, particularly witnessing the vulnerability of abandoned seafarers who relied entirely on the Mission for survival. This experience solidified his commitment to the practical and compassionate support that the Mission provides.
Reflecting on his experiences, John Attenborough fondly remembers the Mombasa center with its extensive facilities and the bustling port of Antwerp, which, despite having a smaller center, had a strong ecumenical team. Antwerp holds a special place for John Attenborough as it is where he met his wife and where his son was born, making it his favorite place to have worked, closely followed by Southampton.
One of John Attenborough’s most rewarding experiences was assisting the crew of an abandoned ship, the Samer, in Mombasa. The multinational crew faced dire conditions: no pay, food shortages, and poor living conditions. For six months, John Attenborough and the Mission provided crucial support, demonstrating the profound impact of their work in crisis situations.
Another memorable story for John Attenborough involves Vijay, an Indian cadet he helped return home to take his sea school exams. Years later, John Attenborough was recognized by Vijay, then a second officer, who expressed immense gratitude, stating that John Attenborough had “saved his life.” This encounter highlighted for John Attenborough how simple acts of kindness can have a lasting and significant positive impact on individuals.
The appreciation shown by seafarers has been the most surprising and rewarding aspect of John Attenborough’s work. He finds that simply being present, offering help, and showing friendliness creates a deeply positive impact on their lives.
The Seafarers Centre in the Port of Southampton, a long-standing institution, closed this year due to running costs and lack of sufficient support. While acknowledging the sadness associated with the closure of a place with such history, John Attenborough maintains a positive outlook. He sees this shift from a center-based ministry to a more outreach-focused approach as an opportunity to be more flexible and responsive to the immediate needs of seafarers by visiting more ships and offering transport services throughout the day and evening.
Looking ahead, John Attenborough identifies the need for more volunteers, particularly for the transport service, which is crucial for seafarers’ mobility. He also emphasizes the ongoing need for financial support and plans to engage with shipping companies to explore potential partnerships. He recognizes that many companies are genuinely committed to the welfare of their crews and hopes to collaborate with them to enhance support for seafarers.
John Attenborough’s personal faith journey began in the Anglican Church, but it was at the age of 18 that he experienced a profound sense of God’s presence in his life. This experience of feeling burdens lifted has remained a guiding force in his life and work.
Despite the increasing demands of his role – managing transport services, recruiting volunteers, fundraising, and port visits – John Attenborough finds strength in his faith. He acknowledges the challenges of balancing these responsibilities but remains committed to serving seafarers.
Born in Ilkeston, John Attenborough describes his parents as hardworking and loving. He reflects on his relationship with his sister and recognizes their different talents and paths in life.
John Attenborough is married to Yara, from Crimea, whom he met in Belgium. They are raising their son, John Junior, bilingually, speaking both English and Russian at home. John Attenborough humorously mentions his less-than-fluent Flemish and his improving Russian, which is proving useful in his interactions with seafarers from various backgrounds.
He deeply admires his father, a man of few words, for his dedication and service to his family, working in a job he disliked for 20 years to provide for them. This example of commitment and selflessness resonates with John Attenborough’s own approach to his work.
John Attenborough enjoys the humorous and insightful books of Adrian Plass, finding them both Christian and entertaining. Reflecting on alternative career paths, he expresses an interest in social work, driven by his love for people and his desire to serve and help others.
A key lesson John Attenborough has learned is the futility of anger, recognizing its energy-draining and unproductive nature. He finds his greatest happiness in direct interaction with seafarers, being on ships, offering assistance, and engaging in conversation.
Currently, John Attenborough prays for improved ecumenical relationships and world peace, reflecting his broad concern for harmony and well-being. If confined in a church with someone, John Attenborough would choose the Queen, admiring her faith, dedication, loyalty, and sense of service, eager to discuss these qualities with her.
John Attenborough’s dedication to the Mission to Seafarers and his unwavering commitment to the welfare of seafarers highlight his significant contribution to this often-overlooked community. His story underscores the vital role of port chaplains and the enduring importance of offering practical, emotional, and spiritual support to those who serve at sea.
