Our CEO Tim Hill sent this letter to The Economist in response to an article published by them. This letter demonstrates how Stella Maris is raising the plight of fishers to the widest possible audience and influencing change in tackling issues such as modern slavery.
Protecting fishermen
Your article about China’s fishing fleet causing havoc off Africa’s coasts chimes with the stark reality that we have come across at Stella Maris, an international maritime charity (“Slavery at sea”, April 13th). Many of the exploited fishermen in situations such as those you mentioned are sole breadwinners, simply trying to earn a living for themselves and to support their families. The financial strain and psychological trauma they suffer can be devastating and long-lasting.
We have intervened in many cases, including in Kenya and South Africa, where fishing crews have been mistreated. A large percentage of our crisis casework involves vessels registered in either China or Taiwan. Achieving satisfactory resolutions, if we can, for these crews can often take months or even years, navigating complex legal issues.
In Mombasa, Stella Maris stepped in to provide emergency support to 16 desperate fishermen who had been left in a perilous situation when their fishing vessel was abandoned by unscrupulous owners. Similarly in Cape Town, a group of fishermen had been physically abused, denied medical care, forced to wear torn protective clothing, deprived of sufficient food and water and not paid their wages. Our team stepped in to provide medicines and food. Thankfully, the outcomes in these two cases were positive. There remain many that are not.
Tim Hill
Chief Executive Officer
Stella Maris UK
London