AMO Currents - We mourn together

AMO Currents - Posted: October 7, 2015

We mourn together

The dark moment we all feared would come arrived today with the announcement that the search for survivors from the El Faro would be suspended at sunset. Many of us in Jacksonville - families, friends, union brothers and sisters - learned of this during a midday meeting at the SIU hall. The nation was informed a few hours later during a press conference conducted by U.S. Coast Guard Captain Mark Fedor. This search and rescue operation has been extensive, professional and so very thorough. Beyond these things, Captain Fedor emphasized this mission has been personal - for everyone involved. It is personal beyond words.

On behalf of everyone in American Maritime Officers, I thank Captain Fedor and all of the Coast Guard crews in the air, on the ocean and ashore for their professionalism and sincere dedication to finding our loved ones, our friends, our brothers and sisters lost to the sea in this devastating event. I thank the Navy crews, the Air Force crews, the merchant mariners, and all others who searched tirelessly as we waited and hoped and prayed. I thank the team from the TOTE family of companies who devoted themselves and their resources to executing the search and to keeping the families of the crew informed at all times.

There are no words for our sadness and grief as we make the agonizing transition from hope and anticipation to sorrow and loss and all that comes with them. Our deepest sympathy and our prayers are with the families and loved ones of our brothers and sisters as we muster our resources to support them in whatever ways we can. Together we remember the crew of the El Faro, we mourn together, and together we honor their love and their lives.

Paul Doell
National President