Some years after the famine, with his reputation as a miracle worker spread far and wide, a ship was crossing the sea to Asia Minor, when a terrible storm arose. The waves were so high that the ship took in a lot of water, the sails were torn to shreds, and the mast was swept away. The sailors, who were very afraid, called on Nicholas to help them. Suddenly the ship became steady, and when the sailors next looked at the helm they saw a stranger there. The stranger guided the ship safely through the storm until they reached Asia Minor, now Turkey, and then he disappeared.
The men went to the Cathedral at Myra, where Nicholas was celebrating Mass, to give thanks for their deliverance. But when they saw Nicholas they realized that he was the unknown helmsman who had guided them to safety. They fell on their knees and gave thanks for this miracle, and Nicholas blessed them and spoke to them. They remembered his words for the rest of their lives, and that is why all sailors now have Nicholas as their patron saint.