TOTE establishes fund for families of El Faro crew

The fund will be held and administered by the Seamen’s Church Institute, North America’s largest mariners’ service agency, following the structure put in place by TOTE.    TOTE Maritime has announced the creation of a family relief fund whose resources will be used to support the 33 families of the El Faro crew.
   The ship’s regular crew of 28 and five shipyard workers from Poland were on board the TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico ship when it was last heard from on Oct. 1 as it neared the eye of Hurricane Joaquin near Crooked Island in the Bahamas.
   The fund will be held and administered by the Seamen’s Church Institute, North America’s largest mariners’ service agency, following the structure put in place by TOTE.
   “Over the last few days we have had hundreds of employees, mariners, customers and individuals from around the country inquire about where to donate in support of the families” said Anthony Chiarello, president and chief executive officer of TOTE. “This fund will ensure that 100 percent of all gifts goes directly to the families as they deal with the loss of a loved one. We continue to keep the families and loved ones of the crew of the El Faro in our thoughts and prayers.”
   TOTE will also be establishing an education fund for the children of the El Faro crew members that will support diverse educational needs.
   Information about the fund and how you can donate can be found here.
   The Seamen’s Church Institute was founded in 1834 and is affiliated with the Episcopal Church, but is nondenominational in terms of its trustees, staff and service to mariners.