An appeal to support seafarers and their families impacted by the crisis in Ukraine has been launched by the Seafarers International Relief Fund (SIRF).
The SIRF, which was established in 2021 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic in India, said the TK Foundation has already donated $50,000 to the fund. The foundation was set up to fulfil the mission of Teekay Tankers founder J Torben Karlshoej to help disadvantaged youth succeed in the maritime industry.
The fund, which is managed by the Seafarers’ Charity, is addressing basic human welfare — shelter, food, water, transport, along with access to medical services and practical financial help.
Support for seafarers and their families will be funded by the SIRF and delivered by maritime charities, trade unions and other not-for-profit organisations working in various countries.
Catherine Spencer, chief executive of the Seafarers’ Charity and chair of the SIRF stakeholder group, said the maritime sector had made an immediate and impressive response to provide relief from Covid-19.
“More funds are now urgently needed to support seafarers and their families affected by the Ukraine crisis,” she said. “We hope that it [the industry] will once more generously donate.”
Initial grants have been made to the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) and Mortrans, the welfare fund of the Marine Transport Workers’ Trade Union of Ukraine.
Guy Platten, secretary general of the International Chamber of Shipping, said its priority was for the safety of seafarers with vessels in the area under threat and helping seafarers with families in Ukraine.
“Ongoing conflict, violence and uncertainty are causing people to flee their homes and become separated from their families,” Platten said. “In some areas, water, electricity and phone connectivity have been affected, with many people now unable to contact their loved ones at sea.
“I urge the maritime industry to give generously to this important cause and help our seafarers at this time of crisis.”
The Seafarers’ Charity and its delivery partners are establishing extra contacts to deliver support on the ground in Ukraine, Romania, Poland, Hungary, Germany and Moldova, and operations are expanding as more is understood.
Small grants are available to seafarers and their families who have been impacted by the Ukraine crisis and need immediate and urgent financial support through the Ukraine Crisis Support Fund, administered by ISWAN on behalf of the SIRF. The fund is also supported by the Mission to Seafarers, Sailors’ Society and Stella Maris.
Donations can be made and more information found here.
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