Calls home ease seafarers' lockdown isolation

“I am away from my family for eight months. The phone top up allowed me to see my children. Thank you.” Rustan (Seafarer, Philippines)

Mobile phone credits, donated by the Port of London Authority (PLA), are keeping seafarers calling at terminals on the Thames connected with family during the COVID-19 crisis.

Pre-paid SIM cards, along with essential toiletries and a home comfort or two, like confectionary, are being distributed to the crews on vessels from around the world, who are keeping international trade flowing.

Since the UK COVID-19 lockdown started (23 March), over 3,000 vessels have delivered vital supplies to the capital by river, including food, fuel and medical supplies.

The parcels are proving a lifeline for the seafarers, who are unable to disembark in port due to public health restrictions.

Leading the operation to distribute the parcels is Mark Moeller, a chaplain with the Queen Victoria Seamen’s Rest (QVSR), who run the seafarers’ mission at Tilbury in Essex. He said: “The crews greatly appreciate the PLA’s donations, which are making life more enjoyable for them at this worrying time.

“The opportunity to connect with their family and friends, often thousands of miles away, has been particularly welcomed. It’s been a real morale booster to be able to check on the welfare of their relatives back home.”

“The work of seafarers often goes unnoticed, so it’s also good to see their efforts being recognised.

“We are very grateful to the PLA for their help in providing the parcels.”

Alistair Gale, corporate affairs director at the PLA, said: “‘The QVSR works extremely hard supporting seafarers all year round.

“Partnering with them to boost their work at this time is a small way of us showing that the efforts of crews from around the globe are greatly valued.”

“They are the keyworkers of the seas, continuing to deliver everyday things that we tend to take for granted.”

A PLA film highlighting the contribution of seafarers during the COVID-19 crisis is available on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/LFp5OC1HcBc