Trapped Seafarers Suffer Mental Trauma in Gulf Conflict
Maritime charities report heightened anxiety and fear among seafarers caught in the crossfire of Middle East tensions.
LONDON: Maritime charities are warning of significant mental health concerns facing seafarers trapped in the ongoing conflict in the Gulf.
These workers, including captains, engineers, cooks, and other officers, have found themselves not only stranded but also at risk from the escalating situation between the US, Israel, and Iran.
Trade vessels have been subject to numerous incidents of being targeted by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, according to the UKMTO (British Maritime Security Monitor).
At least 11 seafarers have lost their lives, as reported by the International Maritime Organization.
The presence of drones and missiles further exacerbates their fear, leading to hypervigilance, burnout, fatigue, loneliness, depression, and anxiety.
The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz since February 28 has particularly affected these seafarers.
At least two commercial vessels have been seized by Iranian forces during this time.
The mental strain extends to their families at home, who are worried about their loved ones or, in some cases, grieving their loss.
Charities such as the Sailors’ Society and ISWAN (International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network) provide support through helplines, practical assistance, and psychological guidance.
However, there is a lack of up-to-date guidelines for dealing with wartime situations, an issue that shipping companies are not fully equipped to address.
To mitigate these effects, the Seafarers’ Charity is working with mental health professionals to develop webinars aimed at helping seafarers cope with heightened stress levels.
This includes managing hypervigilance and allowing their nervous systems time to reset from the constant state of alertness due to the conflict.
Efforts are being made to address the mental health challenges faced by these workers, but more comprehensive support mechanisms and training specific to wartime situations are urgently needed.
These workers, including captains, engineers, cooks, and other officers, have found themselves not only stranded but also at risk from the escalating situation between the US, Israel, and Iran.
Trade vessels have been subject to numerous incidents of being targeted by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, according to the UKMTO (British Maritime Security Monitor).
At least 11 seafarers have lost their lives, as reported by the International Maritime Organization.
The presence of drones and missiles further exacerbates their fear, leading to hypervigilance, burnout, fatigue, loneliness, depression, and anxiety.
The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz since February 28 has particularly affected these seafarers.
At least two commercial vessels have been seized by Iranian forces during this time.
The mental strain extends to their families at home, who are worried about their loved ones or, in some cases, grieving their loss.
Charities such as the Sailors’ Society and ISWAN (International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network) provide support through helplines, practical assistance, and psychological guidance.
However, there is a lack of up-to-date guidelines for dealing with wartime situations, an issue that shipping companies are not fully equipped to address.
To mitigate these effects, the Seafarers’ Charity is working with mental health professionals to develop webinars aimed at helping seafarers cope with heightened stress levels.
This includes managing hypervigilance and allowing their nervous systems time to reset from the constant state of alertness due to the conflict.
Efforts are being made to address the mental health challenges faced by these workers, but more comprehensive support mechanisms and training specific to wartime situations are urgently needed.
