El Faro Update
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TOTE has set up a fund to help the families of the El Faro crew members.
100% of all donations made to this account will go directly to the 33 families affected by the tragedy.
October 7, 2015
Statement by President Obama on the El Faro Cargo Ship
The Office of the Press Secretary issued the following press release on October 7:
The captain and crew of the El Faro were Americans and Poles, men and women, experienced mariners and young seamen. They were beloved sons and daughters and loving husbands and fathers. They were dedicated engineers, technicians and a cook. And these 33 sailors were united by a bond that has linked our merchant mariners for more than two centuries–a love of the sea. As their ship battled the storm, they were no doubt working as they lived– together, as one crew. This tragedy also reminds us that most of the goods and products we rely on every day still move by sea. As Americans, our economic prosperity and quality of life depend upon men and women who serve aboard ships like theEl Faro.
I thank everyone across our government and in the private sector who worked so tirelessly, on the sea and in the air, day after day, in the massive search for survivors. The investigation now underway will have the full support of the U.S. government, because the grieving families of the El Faro deserve answers and because we have to do everything in our power to ensure the safety of our people, including those who work at sea. Today, 28 American families–from Florida to Maine–and five Polish families are heartbroken. May they be comforted, in some small way, in knowing that they have the love and support of their neighbors, the merchant mariner community and the American people. May God bless the men and women of the El Faro. May He comfort their families. And may He watch over and protect all those who serve at sea on behalf of us all.
Our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the El Faro crew.
October 5, 2015
A message from JAXPORT Board Chairman Dr. John Newman
We are deeply saddened by the events involving the apparent loss of the El Faro. Our hearts go out to the crew, family members and co-workers at TOTE Maritime, our valued, long time port partner.
In addition, we send our sincere appreciation to the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard teams who continue their search for survivors with bravery and determination.
Merchant mariners often toil under harsh and unforgiving circumstances at sea in order to support the continued flow of goods in and of the U.S. Today’s tragedy should serve as a reminder of the role these individuals play in the health and well-being of our economy and the occupational risks they accept on a daily basis.
I know you will join us in offering our deepest sympathies to the entire TOTE Maritime family even as we all must remain hopeful.
October 3, 2015
Our thoughts are with the El Faro crew, families, and colleagues.