It is no exaggeration to say that seafaring runs in the blood of Liverpool with its rich maritime history. However, the popular image of life at sea - travelling the world, visiting exotic destinations, and spending weeks in ports - bears little resemblance to reality.

Today’s seafarers are recruited on contracts lasting 6-to-9-months. They have strict work shifts, often with minimal rest. Due to modernisation and shipping schedules, most vessels spend less than a day in port, leaving seafarers with very little time to step ashore for a much-needed break.

Being a seafarer or a fisher can be a dangerous and difficult job. Cases of seafarer abandonment are rising year on year, leaving crew stranded in foreign ports without pay. Serious injuries, bullying, piracy, human rights abuses and non-payment of wages are a grim reality for some. Shore leave can be refused. Contact with family can be limited. When a death occurs on board, crewmates must continue working in the same confined space while carrying their grief. The mental health crisis in the shipping industry is worsening; tragically, there are now more suicides at sea than accidental deaths. 

Feelings of isolation and loneliness can get overwhelming and worsen when they feel there is no one to turn to in times of crisis. This is where Stella Maris stands alongside them.

Through its ministry, and the work of its chaplains and volunteer ship visitors, seafarers and fishers know they can get assistance, support and solace when crisis hits.

In Liverpool, Stella Maris chaplain Christopher Reynolds provides a warm welcome, friendly face, and source of strength to the many seafarers and fishers he meets in ports in and around the city.

The support that Chris and other Stella Maris chaplains across the UK provide can be a lifeline for seafarers and fishers who are facing crisis – when help is needed urgently.

In such cases, the chaplains can apply for a grant through Stella Maris’ Centenary Emergency Fund, set up in 2020 to provide emergency help to seafarers, fishers and their families in times of crisis.

These could mean helping a seafarer who needs to return to work after a serious accident or helping 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.

In desperate situations like these, the emergency fund is a last hope. Grants can fund anything from food, accommodation and medical care to legal help and livelihood training – all provided through the local Stella Maris chaplain.

This life-saving support 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 see how you can help.