Media have reported that the detained tanker Stena Impero has finally been allowed to sail and began to leave Iranian waters on 27 September 2019. However, the Apostleship of the Sea (AoS, a CSAN member charity) remains concerned for a number of other vessels.
The Stena Impero is heading to international waters and then, according to Stena, to Dubai where the crew will be debriefed and repatriated. ‘After 69 days being detained against their will, it is good news that this crew has finally been allowed to sail and hopefully get back to their families soon’, said Martin Foley, National Director of AoS.
AoS remains concerned for other ships out of the media spotlight. Currently the charity is monitoring 14 other vessels around the world affected by wage problems, lack of shore leave, bullying and harassment, death and piracy.
John Green, Director of Development, said, ‘Every year, out of the media spotlight, our port chaplains and volunteers support seafarers in stressful situations that those working on land rarely come across. For seafarers the support of good ship owners and AoS remains vital when life at sea can be dangerous and highly stressful.
Apostleship of the Sea provides welfare support to seafarers in over 330 ports around the world, as well as supporting seafarers’ families.
