Mental health crisis unfolding on 'prison ships' as companies deny seafarers shore leave

With his ship docked in Townsville, the first port of call for Tarun Grover is to find a local guide to take him scuba diving.Shipping companies are worried they will bring COVID-19 back onboard"I hope to see a lot of small fishes around and corals," he said.During the pandemic, Mr Grover spent more than six months at sea without leaving the ship once."It's not a good thing to keep seafarers on board all of the time," Mr Grover said.

Townsville-based Graham Miller is among volunteers who support seafarers with their needs on and off ship, and warns that a mental health crisis is unfolding among seafaring workers. "If COVID is rampant in their country or around them, [companies] tell the captains of ships and masters of ships, 'Don't allow shore leave unless it's absolutely necessary'," he said.

"[Seafarers] are finding it very difficult to cope with the restrictions and stay onboard what some of them have called prison ships.Seafarers who are granted shore leave normally socialise at the Port of Townsville.If you or anyone you know needs help:

Source: News Formal (newsformal.com)

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