Seafarers observe World Maritime Day

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 1

World Maritime Day was celebrated here today on the theme of “Seafarers: At the Core of Shipping’s Future”, to emphasise the invaluable role the merchant navy plays in building trade between countries, which in turn gives a major boost to the world economy.

Captain TS Bhatia, president, Merchant Navy Officers Association, said the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions on travel and transit had severely impacted the seafarers and placed extraordinary strain on their job.

While thousands of men and women could not be repatriated, thus getting stranded on ships for months, a number of seafarers have been unable to join ships and earn their living, he said.