Stella Maris has launched the latest version of its Life at Sea report, which focuses on the work its port chaplains have done to support seafarers and families impacted by the war in Ukraine.
The Stella Maris Life at Sea report 2022: Kindness amid conflict, contains stories of how Stella Maris’ chaplains have made a difference to many seafarers and families facing hardship and desperation. Stella Maris offered safe housing for Ukrainian refugees, delivered humanitarian relief, and reunited families.
Over the last year, £150,000 in grants have been provided to 300 Ukrainian seafarers and their families.
In the coming year, funds will be needed to:
- Continue providing financial support to out-of-work Ukrainian seafarers and their families facing economic hardship.
- Grow the mental health counselling service established in 2022, to provide relief for the increasing numbers of men, women and children suffering trauma and poor mental health because of the war.
- Buy a new vehicle for our chaplaincy team in Odesa, so they can resume ship-visiting in Black Sea ports and support seafarers from all nations as they stop over in Ukraine.
The Centenary Emergency Fund also needs support to provide crisis help to seafarers of all nationalities and backgrounds, around the world, in cases of abandonment, hospitalisation, death at sea and piracy.
From the day war broke out, Stella Maris has been on the ground supporting seafarers and their families facing an unprecedented crisis. Today, our team remain in the port city of Odesa, doing everything possible to stand with those who need help.
… said Stella Maris CEO, Tim Hill MBE
In an exclusive interview with SAFETY4SEA, Tim Hill had urged the industry to work together to improve the lives of seafarers and fishers, and the families that they leave behind. He also highlighted that Stella Maris works alongside industry stakeholders to help achieve this.
To remind, this week the UK Transport Secretary unveiled a new support package which includes virtual reality training for Ukrainian seafarers.
