In the last 15 months, the world’s seafarers have faced unimaginable struggle

Covid-19 has kept many seafarers away from home for more than a year. Many have had no choice but to extend their contracts, leaving them unable to return to their families. Some have not even been able to get off their vessels. It’s affected them mentally – you can tell just by their facial expression. I imagine it’s similar to living in a prison: seeing the same people every day, conversation gets limited as time goes on. The routine carries on and it just becomes more and more mundane. It’s a downward spiral.

Some of the people we speak with have had to deal with personal trauma on top of this. Robinson is a chief cook from the Philippines on board a coastal container vessel which travels to North European ports such as Belfast, Dublin and Rotterdam. During his contract, he would come into Liverpool every seven to 10 days. There he was, working away, earning money and sending it home to support his family.