Stella Maris is working with crewing agencies to ensure that Ukrainian seafarers who have sought refuge and residency in other countries in western Europe remain employable in the longer term.
The charity estimates that there are around 30,000 seafarers in Ukraine who are out of work trying to get help. A further 10,000 Ukrainian seafarers a month are coming off their contracts around the world.
Recognising the potential long-term impact this could have upon the seafarers and their families, Stella Maris has been reaching out to crewing agencies to make sure that seafarers who seek help and residence in western Europe do not lose contact with the industry, and that they continue to get the training and support they need while they stay in Europe before returning to sea
says Martin Foley, CEO of Stella Maris UK.
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Stella Maris has to date secured $250,000 which has been used to help Ukrainian, Russian and other seafarers affected by the conflict. The charity has also worked in partnership with other organisations in the industry and other charities to get the funding.
The financial appeals held on Sea Sunday will go some way towards helping address this need and supporting the charity’s important work in the UK and around the world.
In Odesa, Ukraine, the Stella Maris team have remained in the country to work with humanitarian agencies to ensure vital food supplies can be delivered to seafarers trapped on ships in the Black Sea and Azov Sea. There are an estimated 84 ships, and around 500 seafarers stuck there. Stella Maris is also providing food parcels to help families of seafarers in the city.
