It is with deep sadness that we have learned that our beloved pastoral chaplain and Crisis Response Network coordinator, Boet van Schalkwyk, has died suddenly following a car accident last night in his native South Africa.
Boet began working with the Society in 1989. He was a familiar voice at the end of our helpline and helped found our CRN.
He was an extraordinary man, who was alongside hundreds of seafarers and families at some of the most difficult times of their lives.
His compassion, heart and dedication to the seafarers he supported was unrivalled and he was, and will remain, a guide and an inspiration to every single one of us at Sailors’ Society.
Boet was at the heart of our response to every crisis we supported. He was a truly admired and loved colleague and a friend who touched and impacted so many lives across the world.
Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go to his wife Linda and family.
About Sailors’ Society:
For more than 200 years, international maritime charity Sailors’ Society has been transforming the lives of seafarers and their families. The charity works to provide practical, emotional and spiritual welfare support 24/7 to today’s 1.9 m seafarers, supporting wellbeing across every area of their lives and giving them the best opportunity to enjoy a fulfilling – and productive – career at sea.
For more information on the charity’s work, please visit www.sailors-society.org
