The Seafarers International Relief Fund (SIRF) has launched a new appeal to the maritime industry, in order to support the seafarers and their families that are affected by the ongoing crisis, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The SIRF is currently addressing basic human welfare, such as shelter, food, water, transport, access to medical services, along with practical financial help.
Support for seafarers and their families will be funded by the SIRF and delivered by maritime charities, trade unions and other not for profit organization working in various countries.
We were impressed by the immediate response from the maritime sector to the SIRF to provide relief from COVID-19. Funds were distributed very swiftly to alleviate need. More funds are now urgently needed to support seafarers and their families affected by the Ukraine Crisis.
…Catherine Spencer, Chief Executive, The Seafarers’ Charity and Chair of the SIRF Stakeholder group said, highlighting that the maritime industry is impressive when it comes together to help their own, and there’s a great hope that it will once more generously donate to the SIRF.
As informed, initial grants have been made to the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) and the welfare fund of the Ukrainian Marine Transport Workers Trade Union, Mortrans to provide immediate financial support to seafarers and their families impacted by the crisis.
Our number one priority is the safety of our seafarers and their families. Ships and their crews in the area are under threat, while seafarers with families in Ukraine are rightly concerned. Ongoing conflict, violence and uncertainty are causing people to flee their homes and become separated from their families.
…Guy Platten, Secretary General, International Chamber of Shipping, said, adding also that in some areas, water, electricity, and phone connectivity have been affected with many people now unable to contact their loved ones at sea. For this reason he urges the maritime industry to give generously to this important cause and help the seafarers at this time of crisis.
In addition to their existing and established delivery partners, The Seafarers Charity and their delivery partners are establishing new contacts to deliver support on the ground in Ukraine, Romania, Poland, Hungary, Germany, Moldova, and operations are expanding as more is understood about the need.
According to SIRF, small grants are already available to seafarers and their families who have been impacted by the Ukraine crisis and need immediate and urgent financial support through the Ukraine Crisis Support Fund, administered by ISWAN on behalf of the SIRF.
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