We all rely on seafarers. Seafarers rely on us. 

When the crew of the Heroic Idun were detained for nine months by Nigerian authorities, they and their families were left in limbo. One four-year-old refused to celebrate her birthday until her dad came home and a young bride was facing giving birth alone.  Sailors’ Society’s Crisis Response Network supported them throughout, were there when the crew came home and weeks on when the full effects of the trauma hit home. 

When a Chinese seafarer tried several times to end his life, his crewmates called Sailors’ Society’s helpline. Six weeks from port, its international team were able to be on the phone with him 24/7 throughout the rest of the voyage and even arranged for medical help to be waiting for him portside when they eventually docked. He is now living a healthy and happy life. 

Rollan was thousands of miles away from home when his baby daughters’ life support machine was being turned off. Sailors’ Society supported him and his wife Rea emotionally through some of the worse days of their lives and provided a grant for the hospital bills. 

Founded in 1818, Sailors’ Society is a global welfare charity supporting seafarers and their families in need around the clock, 365 days a year. Our helpline, Crisis Response Network, grants and Peer-to-Peer Support Groups are available to the world’s 1.9 million seafarers, who are away from home for many months at a time transporting more than 90 per cent of everything we own and use, whenever and wherever they need us. Our acclaimed Wellness at Sea programme encompasses self-awareness and sea-ready training, as well as ongoing mentoring and support for both established crew and those about to go to sea for the first time. 

With everything from piracy attacks and conflict to violent storms and isolation, seafaring is one of the most challenging jobs in the world. 

Can you help us ensure they have the support they need?