Seafarers affected by Ukraine war need your prayers and support

Stella Maris chaplain delivering care package to ship

Source: Stella Maris

As churches around Great Britain and worldwide prepare to celebrate Sea Sunday this weekend (10th July), Stella Maris (formerly known as Apostleship of the Sea) is appealing to the faithful to continue to pray for and support seafarers and fishers, especially those affected by the war in Ukraine.

The war is once again highlighting the importance of shipping and seafarers to the world economy, said Martin Foley, the charity's CEO in the UK. Stella Maris is the Catholic Church's official maritime agency. It provides spiritual, pastoral and practical support to seafarers, fishers and their families.

Ukrainian and Russian seafarers make up almost 15% of the world's seafaring workforce. As the war in Ukraine continues, seafarers are being adversely affected in terms of the loss of income and the means to support their families. The charity estimates that there are around 30,000 seafarers in Ukraine who are out of work trying to get help. A further 10,000 Ukrainian seafarers a month are coming off their contracts around the world.

"Recognising the potential long-term impact this could have upon the seafarers and their families, Stella Maris has been reaching out to crewing agencies to make sure that seafarers who seek help and residence in western Europe do not lose contact with the industry, and that they continue to get the training and support they need while they stay in Europe before returning to sea," says Martin Foley.

"Many of them face the difficult choice of whether to stay on board, or to come off their ships to be with families or help with the war efforts. We want to ensure that they have the right support and advice so they can make an informed decision moving forward," Martin says.

Stella Maris has to date secured $250,000 which has been used to help Ukrainian, Russian and other seafarers affected by the conflict.

The charity has worked in partnership with other organisations in the industry and other charities to get the funding, but more is needed to continue supporting seafarers and their families. The financial appeals held in churches on Sea Sunday will go some way towards helping address this need and supporting the charity's important work in the UK and around the world.

In Odesa, Ukraine, the Stella Maris team have remained in the country, despite the risks, to work with humanitarian agencies to ensure vital food supplies can be delivered to seafarers trapped on ships in the Black Sea and Azov Sea. There are an estimated 84 ships, and around 500 seafarers stuck there. Stella Maris is also providing food parcels to help families of seafarers in the city.

In Kaszuby, Poland, Stella Maris is providing emergency accommodation for up to 50 people at a time, mainly women and children. This 'home away from home' is a safe haven for these refugees. As the war progresses, the need for care, counselling and medical assistance for those arriving at the centre continues to grow.

In Valetta, Malta, a crew change port for Ukrainian and Russian seafarers, Stella Maris is supporting affected seafarers with vital information and advice.

Sea Sunday will be celebrated on 10th July. Please support your parish's Sea Sunday appeal and collection. More information can be found at www.stellamaris.org.uk/seasunday To make a donation, please go to www.stellamaris.org.uk/donate