This need has been identified by Care International, the global humanitarian organisation that already has a team in the area, which has highlighted that 100,000 small fishing boats have been destroyed in just three Indian provinces.

Commodore Barry Bryant, Director General of Seafarers UK, said, 'The tragic events on 26 December have left many seafaring communities desperately in need of support.

'Better known for our work in the UK, our remit to support the welfare needs of seafarers and their dependants also extends to the commonwealth communities.

It is exactly this sort of devastating event that highlights to us all the critical need for maritime grant making charities and support.'

The additional aid from the charity will be given to Mission to Seafarers, Apostleship of the Sea and BISS, which have active programmes in the region assisting maritime communities which are trying to rebuild after the disaster, including providing help with tracing lost relatives.

MJInformation No: 20212