By
Rebecca Gibson |
Several cruise operators have pledged financial support to help crew members, their families and other victims affected by Typhoon Haiyan, which swept through the Philippines on Friday 8 November.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has sent a sizeable donation and is organising for a number of its Filipino crew members – who form the majority of its crew on Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch – from the most devastated areas in the Philippines to return home. The line is also coordinating activities at its Suffolk headquarters to raise additional funds.
“This is a very worrying time for many of our crew, with families in the Philippines and we are offering them as much support as we can at this extremely difficult time,” said Mike Rodwell, the line’s managing director. “As a company, we want to do as much as possible to help those of our seafarers and their families who are most in need, and we are all very touched by the concern shown by so many of our guests for the crew and their loved ones.”
Carnival Corporation & plc, its ten brands and the Carnival Foundation have joined with NBA team Miami Heat to donate at least US$1 million to support community relief efforts.
“All of us at Carnival and the Miami Heat extend our deepest sympathy to the Philippines and its people,” said MickyArison, chairman of Carnival and owner of Miami Heat. “The typhoon in the Philippines has caused massive destruction and is having a tragic impact on people and families, including those members of our extended Carnival family who reside in the region. We are in the process of evaluating a variety of worthy organisations that are doing fantastic work in the Philippines.”
In addition to pledges, each of Carnival’s brands and employees will continue to support the ongoing relief efforts through local fundraising and other aid initiatives.
Carnival subsidiary Costa Group is to donate US$100,00, as well as funds collected by Costa and Iberocruceros employees. Filipino crew members onboard the line’s ships have also been given free internet and phone access to enable them to contact family and friends.
Since the storm, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd has also pledged to donate US$1 million and will partner with World Vision to provide broader assistance.
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the storm,” said Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean. “More than 12,800 of our employees call the Philippines home. We want to do everything we can to help them, their families, and their neighbours heal from this terrible tragedy.”
The cruise company will collaborate with its local manning agency Philippine Transmarine Carriers to assess the storm’s impact. Both companies have deployed an emergency team to the hardest-hit areas in the Philippines and will establish a central communications point where employees currently on the line’s ships can seek assistance.