News

Being a seafarer or a fisher can be a dangerous and difficult job. When crisis strikes, the consequences can often be devastating, especially if there is no one to turn to for help.

When the worst happens, Stella Maris stands alongside seafarers and fishers. Through its ministry, and the work of its chaplains and volunteer ship visitors, seafarers and fishers can get support when they are most vulnerable.

Crisis support

The support Stella Maris provides can be a lifeline when help is needed urgently. This could mean assisting a seafarer who needs to return to work after a serious accident or supporting a retired fisherman with the cost of fixing a broken boiler or a struggling young cadet pay their rent when no other help is available.

The charity’s Centenary Emergency Fund, established in 2020, exists specifically to provide help for seafarers, fishers and their families in urgent need. Grants can fund anything from food, accommodation and medical care to legal help and livelihood training. Often it is a last hope when no other support is available. Every grant is distributed through a local Stella Maris chaplain, ensuring help reaches those who need it quickly and personally.

Michael (not his real name), a retired fisher and seafarer from Hastings, spent his whole life working at sea, earning a living to support his family. Sadly, he later developed vascular dementia and began to need specialist care and daily support.

His two daughters stepped in to look after Michael, covering the cost of care and supporting him at home. Nevertheless the family’s financial pressure kept increasing.

Support came through Stella Maris chaplain for Kent and Dover, Deacon John Fogarty who made an application to the charity’s Centenary Emergency Fund to help cover Michael’s care for a specific period.

A grant was awarded to provide a lump sum towards additional professional care and support. The funding eased the family’s immediate financial burden and allowed Michael’s daughters to access the help their father needed. A heavy weight had been lifted off their shoulders at a time when they had nowhere else to turn.

You can bring hope

This life-saving support provided by Stella Maris is made possible through donations towards the Centenary Fund. Last year, demand was so great that the fund was exhausted by August. This year Stella Maris aims to raise £100,000 to ensure they can support any seafarer or fisher who needs it. 

This Lent, Stella Maris invites you to be a light and bring hope to a seafarer, fisher or their family members who is desperate and at breaking point. Your generosity can be life-transforming. It will help Stella Maris chaplains and ship visitors continue to provide critical help. Please also keep in prayer the many seafarers, fishers and their families during this holy season.

Visit www.stellamaris.org.uk/lent/ to make a donation or find out how you can help.

Article and photos provided by Stella Maris

About Stella Maris

Stella Maris, (formerly known as Apostleship of the Sea), is a registered UK charity. It relies on voluntary donations to continue its work.

90% of world trade is transported by ship. However, the life of a seafarer can be dangerous and lonely. Seafarers may spend up to a year at a time away from home, separated from their families and loved ones, often working in harsh conditions.

Stella Maris’ chaplains and ship visitors provide seafarers and fishers with pastoral and practical support, information and a listening ear.

For more information visit www.stellamaris.org.uk