Hundreds of lives will be saved thanks to two new emergency projects being funded by the ITF Seafarers’ Trust and delivered through two Indian-based seafarers’ unions.
The support from the ITF Seafarers’ Trust for oxygen concentrators and emergency supplies for affected seafarers and their families comes as India’s health system teeters on the brink of collapse in the wake of the country’s unprecedented COVID-19 outbreak.
For the record, the two grants total £215,000 GBP ($305,085 USD).
The National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) will use its network of branches across the country to deliver the oxygen concentrators free of charge to seafarers and their families. As explained, the initiative is part of a wider union project to increase the number of ventilator beds in government hospitals.
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What is more, a second grant from the ITF Seafarers’ Trust will fund supplies for Indian seafarers and their families who are experiencing hardship during lockdown or in periods of quarantine.
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) will coordinate getting logistical support and essential goods to seafarers in locked down ports, as well as providing assistance to families who have lost loved ones to the virus.
Last year Indian seafarers’ unions were at the forefront of getting emergency supplies and hand sanitizers to seafarers as the pandemic was just beginning. Now we are all bearing witness to the human tragedy unfolding in India with this deadly second wave, and the ITF Seafarers’ Trust is proud to support unions stepping up to save as many lives as possible and reduce the hardship being faced by Indian seafarers and their families.
…said Katie Higginbottom, Head of the ITF Seafarers’ Trust.
General Secretary of NUSI Abdulgani Y. Serang said the grant for oxygen concentrators will save lives because it helps address a chronic lack of breathing-supporting equipment in the country.
Concerns are growing in the maritime industry that the health crisis in India may lead to a doubling of the number of seafarers unable to get home due to governments’ Covid-related border and travel restrictions in a matter of weeks.
Already 200,000 seafarers are estimated to be trapped working aboard vessels beyond their initial contracts.
New restrictions targeting Indian seafarers will worsen the crew change crisis. We need systems that get Covid-negative and fully vaccinated seafarers onto ships to relieve crews who have been onboard for far too long.
…said David Heindel, chair of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Seafarers’ Section.
To remind, in light of the situation, key crew change hubs Singapore, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates have banned those with recent travel to India from entering or transiting through their ports and airports. Indian nationals represent 1 in 8 seafarers of the global seafaring workforce.
