Seafarers’ welfare charity Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) and other UK-based seafaring charities are beneficiaries of a Seafarers’ Charity Ball organised by the Milford Haven Port Welfare Committee recently.
A sum of £1,200 was raised from the event which was held to mark the end of Seafarers Awareness Week from the 21st to 28th June. Seafarers Awareness Week aims to raise awareness of the important role seafarers have in our daily lives, bringing into the country 90 % of our everyday goods.
Port Welfare Committee member Captain Glyn R Garland said Milford Haven is a major energy hub and has about 60,000 visiting seafarers a year.
“Many spend up to 10 months away from home and the seafaring charities help to support these seafarers worldwide,” he said.
The Ball was the first to be held and the event was sponsored by the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB), Milford Haven Port Authority, Svitzer, Eddistone Ltd, Dragon LNG, South Hook LNG, SemLogistics, Graypen ship agency and Tussie Mussie flowers.
MNWB chief executive Captain David Parsons and his wife Nancy supported the event.
Captain Parsons welcomed the event adding that it was seen as part of a wider effort to raise awareness of the welfare needs seafarers visiting our ports. He referred to the MNWB’s Milford Haven Ports Welfare Committee and paid tribute to the ongoing dedication and support of the members.
AoS’ Milford Haven port chaplain Father Paul Osunyikanmi has been providing practical and pastoral support to seafarers arriving at the port.
In February this year Fr Paul assisted the crew of an oil/chemical tanker who were anxious for news about a colleague who had fallen ill and was hospitalised.
