First for national maritime charity as AGM goes to video after 181 years

The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society is to broadcast its 2020 annual activity review, to supporters and stakeholders, on the Charity’s YouTube channel for the first time in its 181-year history, due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.

The coronavirus crisis has had a significant impact on the maritime industry and those working within it, with many seafarers falling on hard times. The charity, which provides support to those working at sea, established an unprecedented £1M COVID-19 Response Fund earlier this year to provide financial support to UK merchant seafarers and fishers affected by the pandemic.

In addition to providing an update on the Society’s activity over the last year and its plans for the future, the Charity will recognise volunteers for their commitment and dedication in supporting those in need by announcing Lord Lewin Awards for outstanding service, whilst the winners of the Shipwrecked Mariners annual maritime photography competition will also be celebrated.

Those wishing to view the video broadcast can do so below:

The Charity’s COVID-19 Response Fund, launched in July, represents the biggest uplift in Society spending since WWII and provides support to working age seafarers facing the economic impact of the pandemic, supplementing the Society’s existing annual grant expenditure of £1.4m, which is predominantly focused on providing support to retired seafarers and their dependants, or those suffering with health issues.

The Society’s Chief Executive, Capt. Justin Osmond RN, said: “Despite the obvious challenges 2020 has brought our way, we very much recognise the importance of providing our supporters and those interested in our work with an update on our activities, whilst also laying out our plans for the future.

“This video broadcast still marks a first in the history of the Society and we’re pleased to have been able to adapt due to the current challenging circumstances. As a charity we are incredibly proud of our long-standing history but making sure we are fit for whatever the future has in store is equally important to ensure we remain a lifeline to those in need.  We hope many of our supporters will be able to tune in and we’re looking forward to seeing them in person again, hopefully before too long.”

Since 1839, the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society has provided financial and practical help, assistance and advice to fishermen and mariners and their dependants who have suffered hardship, misfortune or poverty, as a result of working at sea or in retirement.

If you can help the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society support those from the seafaring community who are suffering during this challenging time, please visit https://www.shipwreckedmariners.org.uk/donate.

To view the Society’s 2019-20 Annual Report, click here.