Stella Maris expands into Tanzania in response to Red Sea threats.

Stella Maris, the world’s largest ship-visiting charity, is expanding its operations in East Africa with the opening of a new center in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The inauguration ceremony took place on June 28 and was attended by local seafaring and fishing communities, as well as representatives from the Kenyan Port Authority. The new team, led by chaplain Father Patrick Musumbu, aims to support seafarers and fishing communities in the region, including those in Zanzibar.

The increasing number of vessels diverting to Africa’s East Coast has put seafarers under strain, leading to longer periods at sea and potential health issues. Stella Maris aims to provide support to these seafarers by offering friendship, connectivity, medical help, spiritual support, and pastoral care. Additionally, the team will work with local fishing communities to promote safer practices and reduce mortality rates linked to unsafe practices and substance misuse.

Stella Maris operates regional networks around the world to support seafarers and fishers. The CEO, Tim Hill, expressed his excitement for the new mission in Tanzania, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to providing continuous welfare assistance and advocacy for seafarers, fishers, and their families globally. With over 200 chaplains and 800 volunteers in 353 ports across 57 countries, Stella Maris offers practical and pastoral care to hundreds of thousands of seafarers and fishers annually.

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