Britain: As Sea Sunday is observed this 10 July, Martin Foley, chief executive of Stella Maris UK, spoke about the support Catholic maritime charity Stella Maris has provided to Ukrainian seafarers and their families in crisis following the war.

"It's estimated that approximately 15% of the world's seafarers come from either Ukraine or Russia, and when the war broke out there were a number of Ukrainian seafarers working on vessels overseas that Stella Maris reached out to support at what was clearly a traumatic time for themselves and their families, and we continue to reached out to those seafarers in ports all around the world," said the CEO of Stella Maris UK, Martin Foley.

"As you can imagine they are desperate for news of what is happening back home. We can help them by providing phone cards, [and] free Wi-Fi which is a lifeline at this time, as it enables them to communicate with family and friends back home; and we're also working in Ukraine and in particular in Odessa."

As the war continues, Stella Maris chaplains are working to support the immediate needs of these seafarers and their families

According to Mr Foley, Ukraine national director Fr Alexander is closely involved in providing support to the families of Ukrainian seafarers.

He added that Fr Alexander and his colleague Rostik have been working alongside seafarers, and are being a source of good counsel and support to their families when their loved ones are away at sea.

The Stella Maris CEO explained, "They have contracts, they're working at sea and those who have completed their contracts find it difficult to get back home to Ukraine or they rendezvous with their families elsewhere in Europe, and we've helped to facilitate that in Europe, which has been an important service we have been able to provide for Ukrainian seafarers and their families."

Mr Foley also highlighted that the charity is currently accommodating 48 refugees at its centre in Kashubia in Poland.

Sea Sunday is an annual day that invites us to give thanks for the lives and work of seafarers, and affords an opportunity to pray for them and their families.

As seafarers recover from the impact of the pandemic, and now feel the effects of the war in Ukraine, Martin Foley is inviting people to use the opportunity that Sea Sunday provides to pray for seafarers, fishers, and their families.

-VN