His nerves are just beyond no repair. The nerves are shattered... Everything is tumbling out of control. Far from the comfort of threatening orange lights, the red lights are flashing critically, accompanied by the sounds of shrill sirens that cut into the bone. All he knows is hanging from a very thin single thread. He worries about the seeming strength of that thin thread...

It is like a perfect storm. Most of the Russian Captain’s crew should have left for home four months ago, but they are still here and no one knows when they will ever see home again. Six of the crew are ill. In other harbours visited earlier, all requests that they leave the ship to obtain medical care were denied. If one of the men were to leave the ship to obtain medical care, it would mean that they cannot sail. It would mean that they have fewer than the prescribed and allowed minimum number of men required to operate such a majestic coal carrier on board. 

But, there is more. His crew received their last salaries three months ago. And, as the current situation dictates, they think that he, the Captain, has something to do with that. The situation on board is so desperate that one of the men tried to take his own life to escape the dire situation... 

Then, that is only his life on board. No mention yet of his family at home. What about the worries about the chaos at home...? 

However, Loffie and one of his co-workers are there. They immediately talk to the authorities to try and alleviate the feeling of hopelessness on board. They arrange for a doctor to visit and treat the ill, while they take care of hearts and nerves that have been shattered. They do their best and what they can...

Every small act and every discussion enhance understanding. The discussion Loffie has with one of the seamen from Indonesia, the doctor’s care, the SIM card each receives to call their families, the listening to the Captain’s dilemma – every act and discussion makes the message clearer. BUT God!... Ill and abandoned – BUT God! Lonely... BUT God! Hopeless... BUT God! After all, what is left once you are stripped from all. What do you have when all hangs on a thin, thin thread? What hope does one have then? 

How valuable to have someone visit you on board to remind you of the contradictory message after the comma – BUT God… That is Hope.