Somali pirates released three Iranian crew members, after more than five years in captivity, according to data provided by ISWAN. The three hostages, who were held for 1,975 days by Somali pirates, safely arrived at Tehran.
The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) drew attention to the ongoing work of ISWAN and its members, amid an ongoing crisis affecting mental health of thousands of seafarers globally.
Following COVID-19 outbreak, Inmarsat and the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) collaborated and launched a call service for seafarers onboard vessels.
Shipowners can improve communication, to prevent misinformation and minimize the feeling of abandonment for seafarers, said Ms. Caitlin Vaughan, Project Manager at ISWAN during a webinar last week.
ISWAN’s seafarer helpline has experienced a surge in demand amid the COVID-19 crisis which has deeply affected seafarers worldwide, with repatriation being at the center of concerns, the organization informed.
Seafarers’ welfare organisations are working to support crews during these challenging conditions, with many of them being stranded or afraid about their families and themselves.
Dr Kate Thompson, a counselling psychologist, provides information and guidance for seafarers, on board vessels and ashore, affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The world’s reliance on shipping and its seafarers has been brought into sharp focus by COVID-19 pandemic. Now, a new film, produced by Marine Media Enterprises with the support of Columbia Ship Management, ISWAN and the Club looks at what this virus means for seafarers.
ISWAN announced launch of a charity crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for developing world seafarers and their families that have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought an unprecedented disruption to global trade operations and subsequent technical implications for the world’s crews. In this respect, ISWAN issued seven Frequently Asked Questions providing answers for seafarers.
