Seamen's Church Institute honors piracy hero Captain Richard Phillips

June 15, 2009 [SCI] Captain Richard Phillips, who was rescued by U.S. Navy Seals from captivity among Somali pirates on Easter Day (April 12), has been awarded with the first Courage at Sea Award by the Seamen's Church Institute of New York and New Jersey (SCI).

More than 900 guests from the church and maritime industry gave Phillips two standing ovations as he accepted the award on June 11 at SCI's 32nd annual Silver Bell Awards dinner in New York City. Church leaders in attendance included Bishop Mark S. Sisk of New York and the Rev. Dr. James Cooper, rector of Trinity Church, Wall Street.

Introducing Phillips, Douglas B. Stevenson, SCI director of the Center for Seafarers' Rights, said, "Extreme situations define true leaders. Captain Richard Phillips exemplified the qualities we seek most in a true leader: bravery, confidence, calmness, courage, and responsibility to those under his charge. Captain Phillips demonstrated these qualities to the world."

Stevenson said that Phillips "reacted to an imminent threat with careful consideration for the safety of his crew by telling them to lock themselves up -- while he surrendered himself to the pirates. He made this heroic choice without knowing what the outcome would be or what further sacrifice he would be asked to make. But, his choice saved the lives of his crew.

"The ordeal has shined a light on mariners across the globe -- the dangers they face and the strength of their character," Stevenson added. "Hopefully, this situation will live in the minds of Americans and raise awareness to the contributions that the world's brave mariners make to our lives."

Founded in 1834 and celebrating its 175th anniversary, SCI serves as an agency of the Episcopal Church that works ecumenically to provide pastoral care, legal advocacy and maritime education to seafarers and port chaplains around the world.

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