GREEK ship captain Georgios Chronakis has been around the maritime industry for more than two decades, sailing, leading, and silently contributing to global shipping until the trade winds later brought him to another maritime nation, this time, in Southeast Asia, the Philippines.
Unlike other foreign maritime executives in the country, however, Captain Chronakis remains low key. He is rarely seen in conferences and events, even more unlikely to be seen in social circles.
In meetings, he is the man of few but sincere words, often straightforward, prudent, and calm like an ocean after the storm. When conversations lead to things he is passionate about, one can immediately sense the ocean's tempest churning in his mind, voice, and eyes.
Lately, Captain Chronakis has always had fire burning in his eyes — flames of distress, sorrow, and frustration over the fate of three Filipino seafarers who are still languishing in an Algerian prison while the Philippine government and international maritime groups remain oblivious.
Captain Chronakis is the marine personnel manager of Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Limited, the Greek employer of the three Filipino seafarers who are the latest victims of unjust criminalization at sea.
They were part of the eight crewmembers of MV Haris who were unjustly detained in Berroughia, Algeria in July 2023 for a discovery of narcotics onboard the container vessel. Five were released including the Croatian ship captain but the Filipino bosun, ordinary seaman, and chief officer remained incarcerated despite the absence of any evidence.
Captain Chronakis and his team were relentless in reaching out to Philippine government agencies and international maritime groups, pleading and appealing for justice for these innocent seafarers.
The man understands, he was also a seafarer.
Captain Chronakis felt that he was fated to become one. As someone who was born and raised in a traditional maritime country, he had a natural deep connection to the sea.
He started his seafaring career at the age of 18 as an apprentice officer. By 32, he was already a captain for a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC). Five years later, he started working on shore as crew manager for Eastern Mediterranean. It was then that his appreciation for Filipino seafarers grew deeper.
“I deeply appreciate their enduring loyalty, professionalism, and hard work. They are seafarers with strong values, faith, patience, and a strong sense of responsibility toward their work, their families, and God,” Captain Chronakis said.
Seeing and experiencing firsthand the Filipino seafarer’s commitment to duty, professionalism, and unconditional love for their family signified to Captain Chronakis that seafaring is more than just a job for Filipinos. This, and his personal ties to the sea, kept him at the front lines in battling for their justice and freedom.
“As a seafarer myself, I strongly believe that no seafarer should ever be left alone when treated unjustly. They sacrifice a great deal for their families, companies and the global maritime industry. They often work far from home, under difficult and demanding conditions.
“When they face unfair treatment, silence from organizations or responsible parties is deeply disappointing and unacceptable. Remaining silent only increases their suffering and weakens the trust that seafarers place in the maritime industry. They deserve protection, dignity, and a strong voice from all parties involved. Immediate action is essential.
“For this reason, I consider it our duty to stand by them with humanity, faith, and determination, and with the help of God to continue fighting for the justice, dignity, and protection of every seafarer,” Captqin Chronakis said.
The officer stated that it is his great joy as a maritime professional to support seafarers throughout their employment and even personally seeing to their welfare. The most challenging part, however, is managing urgent and sensitive situations under pressure, especially those that involve his crew.
“The sea teaches discipline, responsibility, patience, and resilience. It also teaches you that progress comes through hard work, consistency, and the ability to perform well even under pressure,” he said.
It is times like this that Captain Chronakis, like a ship sailing through a storm, keeps his heading straight and steady. The seasoned ship captain navigates his way through with calm, resolve, and courage, his grit anchored on faith and family.
“Outside of all titles and professional accomplishments, I am simply George — a family-oriented person who values loyalty, respect, honesty, and responsibility. My greatest influence in life has always been my family; they give me strength, balance, and purpose.
“People may not always know that behind the professional side, I am a very sensitive and supportive person. I care deeply about people, especially seafarers and their families because I understand the sacrifices they make. I always try to be fair, practical, and present when someone needs support,” he said.
In his free time, Captain Chronakis enjoys spending quality time with his family and staying active through exercise. He is also fond of practical shooting as it requires discipline, focus, control, and responsibility.
“These activities help me clear my mind, maintain balance, and return to work with better energy and concentration,” he concluded.
