Keys unlock respite for seafarers

A new minibus funded by Southern Ports will assist Mission to Seafarers to welcome thousands of seafarers to the shores of Esperance each year.

The $72,000 13-seater bus will replace the Mission to Seafarer's ageing 20-year old bus that has been instrumental in providing 'shore leave' to the crews to enjoy their short periods on shore at Esperance.

Southern Ports Chief Executive Officer Keith Wilks said that the number of seafarers visiting our communities is reflective of our strong trade in Esperance.

“Last year we welcomed more than 4,400 seafarers to our Port of Esperance across 200 ships,” said Mr Wilks.

“The Mission to Seafarers is a vital service that we’re proud to support. It provides seafarers with the opportunity to go beyond the port and access everything that Esperance has to offer, contributing to the region’s prosperity.”

Manager of Esperance Mission to Seafarers, Fred Lochowicz, said the group is grateful to Southern Ports for its support.

“Our 20-year-old bus had seen better days, so luckily for us Southern Ports was able to support us with the purchase of a new one,” said Fred. “We now pick up the seafarers in style.”

"We rely on this one bus – without it we wouldn't be able to provide the kind of shore leave that we do for the seafarers that we pick up an drop off 364 days per year."

“The previous bus transported 64,000 seafarers over the two decades it was operating.”

The not-for-profit Mission to Seafarers is always looking for new volunteers and committee members to assist it in driving the bus and other day-to-day services.

“As part of The Mission to Seafarers, we get to meet people from all around the world who come to our port. We spend time with them and show off the best shopping and tourist spots around town.”

This Sunday (25 June) marks Day of the Seafarer, recognising the invaluable contribution seafarers make to international trade and the world economy, often at great personal cost to themselves and their families.

For more information on the Mission to Seafarers, visit missiontoseafarers.org/Esperance.