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September 2026
Dear Supporter,
Welcome to the September 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
Thank you for Flying the Red Ensign on Merchant Navy Day 2026
On 3 September, communities, organisations and landmarks across the UK, from 10 Downing Street to Cutty Sark and the National Maritime Museum, raised the Red Ensign to mark Merchant Navy Day. They recognised the extraordinary contribution of our nation’s merchant seafarers, past and present, as part of our Fly the Red Ensign campaign.
Merchant Navy Day is an opportunity to remember the courage and sacrifice of merchant seafarers who kept vital supply lines open during both World Wars and other conflicts. We also celebrate today’s merchant seafarers, whose work remains essential to keeping the UK supplied and connected.
As part of this year’s commemorations, we laid a wreath at Cutty Sark on 3 September in honour of those who lost their lives while serving in the Merchant Navy. On 6 September, our Chief Executive, Deborah Layde, represented The Seafarers’ Charity at the Merchant Navy Memorial at Tower Hill, joining the maritime community to pay respects to those who died in conflict, many of whom have no grave but the sea.
A huge thank you to everyone who took part, whether by flying the Red Ensign, attending a ceremony, wearing red or showing your support online. We also warmly congratulate the 11 recipients of the 2026 Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service, recognising outstanding service and achievement across the maritime sector.
Waves of Influence Raises more than £50,000 for Seafarers and Their Families
Waves of Influence returned to the historic Fishmongers’ Hall on 11 September, raising more than £50,000 for The Seafarers’ Charity and Sailors’ Children’s Society.
Now in its second year, the special fundraising lunch brought together maritime leaders and supporters to celebrate the contribution of women across the maritime sector, champion greater diversity and create conversations about what still needs to change.
Hosted by Claire Womersley, partner at law firm HFW and a Master Mariner, the event featured a keynote address from Nusrat Ghani MP, Vice President of The Seafarers’ Charity and Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, as well as a raffle and auction hosted by Caroline Hawley from BBC’s "Bargain Hunt".
Sponsored for the second consecutive year by UK P&I Club, the event also received generous support from Trinity House and The Fishmongers’ Company, which underwrote the event, enabling donations to go directly towards supporting seafarers and their families.
Annual National Service for Seafarers 2026
On Wednesday 14 October, join The Seafarers' Charity and Trinity House at St Paul's Cathedral in London for the Annual National Service for Seafarers.
Since 1905, the service has brought together seafarers, their families, maritime organisations and supporters to give thanks for the contribution of those who work at sea, honour those who have served and remember those who have lost their lives. Seafarers from every maritime sector are recognised, including the Merchant and Royal Navies, fishing fleets, workboats, ferries, cruise ships and commercial vessels.
The service is free to attend and open to all. For more information or to join the mailing list, please email anss@theseafarerscharity.org.
Chairman’s Challenge Raises Over £10,000 for Seafarers
A huge congratulations and thank you to our Chair, Paul Butterworth AFNI, who has now raised over £10,000 for The Seafarers’ Charity, smashing his original £6,000 target.
On 5 September, Paul completed the gruelling South Coast Ultra Challenge, a 100km continuous hike along the South Downs Way. Paul first raised money for the charity as a 15-year-old cadet, over 35 years ago. Now, as he comes to the end of nearly 10 years as a trustee and Chair, he set himself the Chairman’s Challenge to mark the occasion, drawing on his experience as a former professional mariner and his deep commitment to seafarers who are so often out of sight and out of mind.
Paul’s Chairman’s Challenge isn’t over yet. On 18 October, he’ll take on the Great South Run, the second and final part of his challenge. Show your support and help push his incredible fundraising total even higher.
Film 2 of Our "Smart Seafaring. A Safe Return" Animated Series
Following its premiere at the Isle of Man Maritime Conference on 16 July, the second film of our "Smart Seafaring. A Safe Return" series is now available to watch on YouTube.
The film follows Mateo and his colleagues as they learn how to recognise potential warning signs of seafarer abandonment, stay vigilant throughout their voyage, maintain communication on board and access trusted guidance from organisations including the International Maritime Organization and the International Transport Workers’ Federation.
Thousands of seafarers are abandoned every year, often without pay, food, medical care or a way home.
The series forms part of our wider work to tackle the growing humanitarian crisis of seafarer abandonment by providing practical, accessible guidance for seafarers and their families.
Sailors' Society: There for Seafarers When They Need It Most
This month we are celebrating the work of Sailors’ Society, a charity providing crisis response and wellbeing support to seafarers and their families wherever they are.
Their Crisis Response Network brings together trained professionals around the world to support seafarers and their families facing some of the most difficult experiences imaginable, including conflict, abandonment, imprisonment, bereavement and serious incidents at sea.
Funding from The Seafarers’ Charity supports this vital work, helping Sailors’ Society respond when something goes wrong while also providing proactive support to help seafarers before they reach crisis point.
Learn how Sailors’ Society is evolving to meet the changing needs of seafarers while remaining true to its mission of providing compassionate care 24/7.
Ready to Take on the Ultimate Challenge That Transforms Seafarers' Lives?
From 18–20 June 2027, join our epic 24 Peaks Challenge in the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Lake District!
Conquer the Gold 24 Peaks, Silver 21 Peaks or take on the brand new Scafell Pike Challenge, all while raising vital funds to support seafarers and their families.
Whether you are an experienced hiker or taking on your first challenge, every route is fully supported by experienced hill safety staff and marshals. More than a hike, it is a rewarding test of endurance, teamwork and resilience, set against the stunning scenery of the Lake District.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, email temi.binitie@theseafarerscharity.org.
