

(Posted on 14/09/20)
The Sailors’ Society says coronavirus is the worst crisis seafarers have faced in its 200-year history, with ‘overwhelming’ numbers turning to the charity for help since the pandemic began.
The charity has given out an average of 16 times more welfare grants to seafarers and their families every month since the crisis began, compared to last year. Many of these are as a direct result of seafarers being unable to work and suddenly plunged into poverty due to the pandemic.
Sailors’ Society’s coronavirus helpline is also receiving around 150 calls from seafarers a month, many of whom are stranded at sea because of travel restrictions and are struggling with exhaustion and anxiety about their families and finances.
Sara Baade, Sailors’ Society’s new CEO, said: “This is the worst crisis seafarers have faced since Sailors’ Society was founded more than 200 years ago.
“We are overwhelmed by the number of appeals for help and our crisis teams are having to prioritise the most desperate cases.”
Sailors’ Society is appealing for funds to support seafarers at this difficult time. To donate, go to www.sailors-society.org/seafarer-crisis-appeal.
Sailors’ Society has been bringing people together for more than 200 years, transforming the lives of seafarers and their families at home, in port and at sea through the delivery of chaplaincy, education and the relief of poverty and distress. The charity works internationally to provide practical, emotional and spiritual welfare support to the world’s 1.6m seafarers, regardless of background or faith. Sailors’ Society chaplains and ship visitors have a presence in more than 90 global ports, with wider projects and services covering 30 countries.
The University of Strathclyde in Scotland, UK is encouraging ship operators, safety professionals and... Read more
InterManager, the international association for the ship management sector, has elected Sebastian von... Read more
InterManager, the international trade association for the ship management sector, is calling on shipping... Read more
The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) has announced a strategic development... Read more
DNV has launched a new family of class notations, Autonomous and Remotely Operated Ships (AROS), providing... Read more
Leading figures across the dry bulk shipping sector have joined in paying tribute to Dimitri Fafalios... Read more
International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has highlighted key items... Read more
Anemoi Marine Technologies has completed the installation of five Rotor Sails onboard the 400,000 dwt... Read more
ShipMoney, a leader in digital payment solutions, has announced its partnership with Megga Telecom,... Read more
Thordon Bearings has delivered COMPAC water-lubricated propeller shaft and SXL rudder bearings to replace... Read more