COVID-19 – Sailors' Society South Africa

COVID-19 and Seafarers Latest News

22 June, 2020

COVID-19 Response, Merchant Shipping, Seafarers

Sharp rise in seafarers failing UK medicals due to mental health conditions Maritime medics have raised concerns over a marked increase in the number of seafarers failing UK medical examinations as a result of mental health issues. Commenting on the annual analysis of medical examinations conducted by approved doctors, published by the Department for Transport, chief medical advisor Dr Sally Bell noted there has been a ‘steady and significant rise’ in both the major and minor mental disorders identified during…

Sailors’ Society SA continues virtual seafarer support in response to lockdown.

18 May, 2020

Administrator

COVID-19 Response, Crisis Response, Outreach, Trauma

In response to the article in The Guardian of 14 May 2020, “Deaths and hunger strikes point to mental health crises on stranded cruise ships” Sailors Society SA has stepped up its virtual support which the organisation has been offering since the lockdown situation. The Crisis Response Network of the Society still has ongoing contact with seafarers on board vessels using Skype, telephone and social media to provide advice, support and arrange practical help for crews. We are in contact…

COVID-19 and Seafarers Latest News

18 May, 2020

Administrator

COVID-19 Response

Deaths and hunger strikes point to mental health crisis on stranded cruise ships As tensions rise over failure to repatriate workers, plight of crews highlighted by the apparent suicide of a Ukrainian woman in Rotterdam. Several deaths, a hunger strike and disturbances on board cruise ships have raised fresh concern about what crew members say is the deteriorating mental health of staff stranded aboard cruise ships still floating at sea. A worldwide standoff between cruise companies and health authorities has…