The charitable organization Stella Maris raises an alarm concerning the rising levels of loneliness and depression among Ukrainian seafarers as the conflict in Ukraine extends into its third year. The looming threat of potential conscription upon their return home exacerbates their distress.
Charles Stuart and Gregory Hogan, regional port chaplains serving Southampton and Southern ports on behalf of the Catholic charity Stella Maris, highlight a growing strain among Ukrainian seafarers during their routine visits to ships.
The initial shock of the invasion has evolved into sustained pressure amid the prolonged conflict. Seafarers harbor anxieties about returning home due to the possibility of compulsory enlistment, fueling profound feelings of depression and anxiety, according to Hogan.
“It is a deeply distressing and unsettling situation with no foreseeable resolution,” he remarked.
Contrary to providing solace, improved WiFi access intensifies anxiety as seafarers follow news updates on the war. Hogan recounts instances of seafarers grappling with heightened stress and fatigue, particularly when communication with their families in Ukraine becomes sporadic.
“I encountered a captain who broke down in tears. His mother-in-law resided in one of the bombed areas, and he had received no news from her, all while having to manage his ship,” Hogan shared.
“Despite the abundance of online information, seafarers often feel powerless to effect change,” he added.
Concerns about conscription weigh heavily on the younger generation of seafarers, who feel compelled to maintain their jobs and remain at sea to avoid potential military service, despite longing to reunite with their families.
Stuart emphasizes the adverse effects of prolonged confinement at sea on seafarers’ mental well-being, stressing the industry’s responsibility to address these challenges and recognize the importance of shore leave and access to independent support, such as that provided by Stella Maris.
Amid geopolitical tensions, many ships visiting UK ports accommodate both Russian and Ukrainian crew members, presenting unique challenges.
“While seafarers strive to uphold professionalism despite global events, the underlying tension surrounding the conflict takes its toll on crew members’ mental health,” Stuart noted.
Hogan acknowledges the difficulties faced by Russian crew members, who may fear reprisal for expressing concerns about the war.
“One captain confided in me, showing how his pension had been decimated, attributing blame to Putin. He was outraged that his parents’ healthcare funds had been wiped out,” Hogan recounted.
Stella Maris, as the largest ship-visiting network globally and the official maritime charity of the Catholic Church, provides practical and pastoral care in over 353 ports across 57 countries.
