New mission by charity to aid seafarers impacted by Red Sea diversions.

Maritime charity Stella Maris has recently launched a new mission in East Africa to provide support to seafarers who are facing extended periods at sea due to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. Drone and missile strikes by the Yemen rebel group have resulted in hundreds of ships being rerouted via the Cape of Good Hope, leading to longer journey times and increased pressure on ports and services in Africa.

The new operation in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, will offer additional assistance to seafarers, with a team of volunteers led by Kenyan chaplain Father Patrick Musumbu. Stella Maris’ Jonathan Heard emphasized the importance of supporting seafarers during this challenging time, as they may be at sea for months longer than anticipated, facing mental and physical health issues, isolation, and loneliness.

Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea have resulted in casualties among seafarers, prompting calls from the International Transport Workers’ Federation for flag states and shipowners to prioritize crew safety. Shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb strait has significantly decreased due to the attacks, highlighting the critical need for organizations like Stella Maris to provide support to seafarers globally.

Source .