Seafarers UK releases funds for support

Seafarers UK has released £100,000 of immediate funds to provide support to seafarers, and launched an Emergency Appeal to provide further cross-sector help.

Ship operators are struggling with crew change rotas as many ports on maritime trade routes deny seafarers access to shore-based facilities, including welfare services. Seafarers working on merchant ships face a wide range of challenges and many are thousands of miles from home.

Free advice for seafarers working globally is available from ISWAN, a delivery partner funded by Seafarers UK. In the UK, seafarers requiring assistance can contact SAIL, a dedicated free Citizens Advice facility that receives an annual grant from Seafarers UK. It provides information specifically for seafarers at a time when other CAB services are likely to be overwhelmed. It is services like these which will need speedy access to funds, as they are inundated with enquiries and requests for help.

British fishers also face unprecedented difficulty as sales to restaurants and export markets have evaporated. As well as providing support to fishers in need, Seafarers UK is pleased to be working towards new innovative services to get fish from ports and harbours direct to consumers, not only helping fishers to sell into new markets, but also supplying a valuable local food source to the nation.

“In addition to providing financial help,” says Seafarers UK Chief Executive Officer, Catherine Spencer, “Seafarers UK is collaborating across the industry and government to put in place measures to support the wider maritime community, and we have launched an Emergency Appeal. We are working with our expert delivery partners to identify needs and get more funds to merchant seafarers and fishers, to support traditional and innovative ways to support seafarers facing hard times.”