The Salvation Army in Bermuda took part in a multi-national, multi-organisational effort this past Saturday in rendering assistance to the stricken crew members of the bulk carrier Leader L. The Greek registered ship sank in less then one minute in the Atlantic waters some 400 nautical miles north east of the island of Bermuda with the loss of over half of the crew of 31.

The 13 remaining crew members arrived in Hamilton Bermuda onboard the Canadian Naval ship HMCS Iroquois shortly after 1:30 PM Bermuda time. They were met by local immigration officials, police, company lawyers, and Officers and laymen of The Salvation Army.

As the bodies of six of their less fortunate crew members were brought ashore and given into the hands of local officials, the 13 crew members were given refreshments and were than afforded an opportunity to share with The Salvation Army councillors on an individual basis to receive grief council and a listening ear. Arrangements were also made for each crew member to telephone his family at home, all of whom had not yet heard of the tragedy.

One Romanian sailor, who suffered from a fractured hip, was transported to the hospital, accompanied by a Salvation Army Officer, to receive treatment.

Following interviews by company lawyers and Immigration officials, the remaining 12 sailors were transported to The Salvation Army's emergency housing complex, where they were supplied with a clean comfortable room, clothing, toiletries and an ongoing listening ear.

On the Sunday morning, under the direction of the Divisional Commander, the Divisional Secretary and the Divisional Director for Emergency and Disaster Services, a church service was held specifically for the benefit of the crewmen.

On Sunday afternoon, the shipping company made arrangements to house the crewmen in a local hotel. The Salvation Army emergency and disaster services will continue to offer support to the fortunate crewmen until arrangements have been made to repatriate them to their homeland.