Seamen’s association provides support to men at sea

Panaji: The Goan Seamen Association of India is providing support and guidance to seafarers who are worried about the present situation. “Some seafarers contacted us and said they are worried their vessel could be attacked.

They fear the war may escalate. We told them to stay calm and follow advisories from their companies and from DG shipping,” said Frank Viegas, the president of the association.“Some companies kept the joining and relieving of their seafarers on hold. Those who are on ship and already finished their contract may have to extend it for a month, depending on the situation,” he said.“Many seafarers are anchored around Jebel Ali and on the Strait of Hormuz, while others are sailing,” he said. They were told not to post pictures of ships, drones, or missiles on social media. If they see any missiles or drones, they were told not to take any pictures and not to be out on the deck.At night, it is mostly a blackout, as they were instructed to switch on only the minimum lights while sailing to avoid any attack,” he told TOI.DG shipping released helpline numbers and email addresses for seafarers in crisis.