Global maritime charity Sailors’ Society has launched an urgent crisis appeal following mounting concern over attacks on ships in the Red Sea.
While much has been reported on supply chain issues and the financial costs of rerouting ships, there is an acute human cost with seafarers caught up in the conflict.
These men and women are simply doing their job transporting more than 90 per cent of everything we use and own. Now they face the very real danger of explosive drones and missiles – and shipping companies are calling Sailors’ Society’s Crisis Response Network to request mental health and wellbeing support.
Sailors’ Society CEO Sara Baade said: “Seafarers did not sign up to be shot at. Any seafarer approaching the Red Sea today is going to be extremely anxious and diverting around the Horn of Africa instead brings its own challenges with the tropical cyclone that has pounded Mauritius and fear of piracy around Somalia and the Gulf of Guinea. At the very least they will be delayed returning home to loved ones who they have already been separated from for many months.
“Our 24/7 Crisis Response Network can help prepare seafarers, can support worried families and is there for any longer-lasting effects of trauma.”
To donate, please go to: https://www.sailors-society.org/crisis-appeal