We are supporting the crowdfunding campaign launched by ISWAN to provide Emergency Support for developing world seafarers who have been severely impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic.
While much of the shipping industry take their responsibilities to their seafarers very seriously there is still a real challenge facing many seafarers from the poorer regions of the world. Many are in lock down with casual contracts and unable to work, others are facing difficulties due to lock downs when they leave ships and are unable to return to their families with costs and little income coming in and there are even some reports of seafarers being shunned on their return to their homes for fears of the virus. There is also the issue of their families not having an income in order to get by.
WHY EMERGENCY FUNDING IS NEEDED
Getting emergency help to these seafarers and their families will become even more imperative as the impact of the crisis is felt by small ship operators in those regions, with limited resources to support workers and as the pandemic expands in the developing world where financial and health resources are scarce.
HOW TO CONTRIBUTE?
On April 6th ISWAN launched a charity crowdfunding campaign to raise funds. The target of the campaign is set at £25,000 and can be supported by promotion or donation. To donate or for more information please visit the campaign website.
Please note! The public crowdfunding campaign ended on May 3rd. It is still possible to support ISWAN and the SEF directly. Please contact Gavin Allwright
WHERE WILL THE FUNDS GO?
All funds raised will go straight to the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), a UK registered charity, and dispersed through their Seafarers Emergency Fund (SEF).
The campaign is supported by ISWAN (which includes the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) among its membership), the World Ocean Council (WOC), the Nautical Institute, the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) and the International Windship Association (IWSA).