Seafarers and fishing communities devastated by Filipino typhoon

Seafarers have been anxiously trying to contact families for news following the Filipino typhoon that has killed more than 10,000 people over the weekend.

Apostleship of the Sea port chaplains visiting ships over the weekend have been helping crews receive news of the tragedy. Sr Marian Davey, Felixstowe port chaplain, spent the weekend assisting Filipino seafarers whose homes and families have been affected by the major storms back home. "I spoke with one seafarer who had just come onboard and received news that his house had been destroyed. He had just started his contract and not yet received any salary."

The Apostleship of the Sea in the Philippines provides help for seafarers, their families and fishing communities. With fishing fleets in the area of the typhoon destroyed by the near-200mph winds and six mile storm surge, longer-term assistance will be needed to help these communities. The Apostleship of the Sea has a seafarers’ centre in the port of Cebu, an area greatly affected by the typhoon.

In the port of Immingham, Fr Colum Kelly will celebrate a Mass on Wednesday evening uniting the local Filipino community with visiting seafarers in prayers for those killed and those whose lives have been devastated by the typhoon. National Director Martin Foley said: "AoS in the Philippines, together with other agencies, is working to provide immediate assistance for the many whose lives are bound up with the sea. In Great Britain our port chaplains will be providing news, practical and spiritual support to Filipino seafarers at this tragic time".

For more information see: www.apostleshipofthesea.org.uk/