What does it mean to be free? Is it not to be locked within four grey walls? Or perhaps it means not to be suppressed? Perhaps it is when life has you in a vice grip from which you cannot escape in spite of a desperate struggle. Can you be free in a jail cell? Could you be free, even if you are not free? 

This is the confusing wonder and search discussion Danie has with Xavier on board a majestic container vessel anchored at a quay in Gqeberha.  In spite of the ship that towers imposingly over everything else in the harbour, like a huge mountain, it symbolises jail for Xavier. Yes, he is free - or is he?

He is not under arrest and he has not been sentenced to isolation in a jail, but he is caught between the invisible borders of the wide-open oceans and the limits of the ship itself. When you walk to the left, you can see the sea. Walking right means the same, but also when you walk forward or back ... the sea is there too. 

Covid killed the seamen adventure of getting to know unknown shores and cities over the globe. Although most people have forgotten about the pandemic and the virus is under control, men working at sea can still not disembark freely. They can only stare at the people on the quay and admire the skyscrapers of the city from the confines of the iron deck. In the past six months, Xavier left the ship only twice. 

In these months the limits on the ship became the limits in his head. He feels alone, isolated and cut from reality. As the days drag by, the loneliness increases, it becomes more serious and now he sits in front of Danie, sharing his emotions and feelings. Danie can, with more than twenty years of experience in visiting seamen, help Xavier to become more aware of another reality, other than the mere confines of the ship. 

When Xavier finally says goodbye, he mentions what the CSO visit meant to him. He mentions that the discussion released him. He says that he had not talked to anyone other than his fellow crew members in months. For a moment Xavier realises that he is free within the plan and love of God.

The CSO missionaries break invisible chains on ships every day. These are emotional, spiritual and psychological chains.  Your donation makes this possible. Please help us break chains on board ships visiting our harbours.

Your donation makes this possible. Thank you.

PS. Our bank details are: Christelike Seemansorganisasie. ABSA. Current. 1520-230-226.  Please email your details to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. – we would like to thank you.