"I am proud to work for the Apostleship of the Sea, the greatest and most effective maritime charity in the world. I am privileged to serve so many wonderful seafarers from so many countries around the world," Stone said, according to an AoS press release.
In addition to his work providing spiritual ministry to seafarers, Stone has helped rescue several fishermen from inhumane working conditions, including nine fishermen near Portsmouth Harbour and another three Filipino men living on a boat in "slave-like conditions."
Stone called the rescue of the Filipino men "a landmark thing in my life because they are such nice people being treated so abysmally."
According to AoS, Stone also supported a group of abandoned fishermen from two ships in Sussex and was instrumental in raising emergency funds for the crew and their families in 2013-2014. Although Stone had no previous maritime experience before 2010, he has now become a beloved face among the seafarers on the South Coast.
The British Empire Medal is an honor awarded to individuals for civil or military service worthy to be recognized by the Crown. The honor was established in 1922 to replace the Medal of the Order of the British Empire and recognizes the work of those who have made "a significant difference" on a local level.
"I will always regard the Medal as a symbol of the love I have for seafarers who rely on Apostleship of the Sea port chaplains and volunteers for pure pastoral care. Without Apostleship of the Sea, seafarers would simply not receive the love and care they need," Stone said.