Relief fund calls for Ukraine seafarers support

The SIRF was established in 2021 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic in India. It is managed by The Seafarers’ Charity and supported by The Mission to Seafarers, ISWAN, Sailors’ Society, Stella Maris, and other charities.

“More funds are now urgently needed to support seafarers and their families affected by the Ukraine crisis,” said Catherine Spencer, chief executive, The Seafarers’ Charity and chair of the SIRF Stakeholder group.

“The maritime industry is impressive when it comes together to help their own, and we hope that it will once more generously donate to the SIRF.”

Initial grants have been made to the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) and the welfare fund of the Ukrainian Marine Transport Workers Trade Union, Mortrans to provide immediate financial support to seafarers and their families affected by the crisis.

In addition to existing delivery partners, The Seafarers’ Charity and its delivery partners are establishing new contacts to deliver support on the ground in Ukraine, Romania, Poland, Hungary, Germany and Moldova.

Small grants are already available to those who need immediate and urgent financial support through the Ukraine Crisis Support Fund, administered by ISWAN on behalf of the SIRF. Seafarer-centred organisations must apply to the Ukraine Crisis Support Fund on the seafarer or their family’s behalf. More information on the fund and how to apply can be found here.