No images? Click here
October 2025
Dear Supporter,
Welcome to the October edition of Seapost, The Seafarers' Charity's e-newsletter. We’re so grateful for your continued support and we’ve packed this edition with exciting updates and ways you can make a real difference to seafarers' lives. We hope you enjoy reading it!
Best wishes,
Luca Selvaggio
Editor
Annual National Service for Seafarers: Maritime community honours seafarers at St Paul’s Cathedral
On 8 October, at St Paul's Cathedral, London, we came together to honour and give thanks for the vital work of seafarers, men and women who keep our global waters moving, often in challenging and dangerous conditions. The service is a moving reminder of their enduring importance and a chance for all of us to show our respect and appreciation.
This year, we were proud to mark the 120th anniversary of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, the largest single employer of merchant seafarers, whose civilian crews support the Royal Navy across combat operations, disaster relief, counter-piracy missions, and evacuations worldwide.
Our Vice President, Bishop Sarah Mullally, the current Bishop of London and future Archbishop of Canterbury, gave the final Blessing. Following the service, we hosted a post-event reception at Odgers, and we extend our sincere thanks to their team for their warm hospitality. We are especially grateful to our Chair, Paul Butterworth AFNI, for his generous support and for allowing us to use their offices in his absence.
It was wonderful to be joined by our Trustees, friends, supporters, including those who have undertaken incredible challenges, from running the London Marathon to hiking 24 Peaks, to raise funds in support of seafarers and their families.
Deborah Layde Honoured with Freedom of the City of London
Many congratulations to our Chief Executive, Deborah Layde, who received the Freedom of the City of London last month! The historic Admission Ceremony was held at London's Guildhall.
Earlier this year, Deborah was sworn in as a member of the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers, in recognition of her ongoing commitment to improving fisher safety.
Welcome to our new Trustees!
We are delighted to welcome Simon Gillespie OBE, Guy Platten MNM and Petra Wilkinson CBE to our board of Trustees, bringing exceptional experience and leadership from the charity, government, and maritime sectors.
We’re confident their insight and expertise will strengthen our work in supporting the welfare and wellbeing of seafarers worldwide, helping us make an even greater impact.
Safer Waves - Breaking the Silence at Sea
For our latest 'charity of the month' feature, we caught up with the new CEO of Safer Waves, Jessica Brannan.
Jessica spoke about the ongoing importance of Safer Waves' work in providing a safe place for survivors of sexual abuse at sea, and how funding from The Seafarers' Charity and others has helped them grow from a one-room operation into a professionalised organisation supporting seafarers around the globe.
Sailing for Seafarers: Rod Cappell Takes on the Clipper Round the World Race
Rod Cappell, Director at Poseidon Aquatic Resource Management Ltd, is fundraising for The Seafarers’ Charity as part of the Clipper Round the World Race 2025/26. In January 2026, Rod will join his team in Australia to take on the Pacific Challenge - racing up to China, visiting South Korea, crossing the North Pacific, and sailing coast-to-coast in the US via the Panama Canal.
Rod describes this as “the toughest challenge of my life”, but he’s doing it to support those who face tough challenges at sea every day. The funds raised will help us continue making a life-changing impact for seafarers and their families, providing emergency aid, mental health support and long-term welfare solutions.
Ready to take on the ultimate challenge that transforms seafarers’ lives!?
On 4-5 July 2026, join our epic 24 Peaks Challenge in the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Lake District!
Conquer up to 24 peaks (or fewer), cover 33 miles, and climb a staggering 13,000 ft, all the while raising vital funds for seafarers in need.
Whether you are with friends or colleagues, it is more than a hike... It is a test of endurance, teamwork and resilience. Expect stunning views, steep ascents and unforgettable memories. Perfect for team building, networking and pushing your limits.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more info, email: events@theseafarerscharity.org
Sea Views "Sailing in the Shadows: The Hidden Tanker Trade"
Since the Russia-Ukraine war, the Shadow Fleet has surged from around 300 to an estimated 900 tankers moving sanctioned oil through secrecy and deception. These ships often operate with falsified identities, spoofed signals, and no insurance or oversight. The risks are enormous - not just to the environment and global security, but also to the thousands of seafarers working aboard aging, unregulated vessels.
The latest episode of the Sea Views podcast features Michelle Wiese Bockmann, Senior Maritime Intelligence Analyst at Windward, with her insight into the rise of the Shadow Fleet, its impact on oceans and people, and how technology is trying to unmask this hidden trade.
Sea Views is supported by CHIRP Maritime and funded by The Seafarers’ Charity.
