The ITF Seafarers’ Trust has launched a photo exhibition this week showcasing the experiences of seafarers during the Covid pandemic.
The collection of images were all taken by seafarers on board vessels who entered the Trust’s photo competitions in 2020 and 2021 under the themes of ‘Still at Sea’ and ‘Out of Sight, Not Out of Mind’.
Now the selection of the photos is on show at the headquarters of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) - a branch of the United Nations – where they will be seen by delegations of governments from around the world.
Head of the Trust Katie Higginbottom said: “The aim of this exhibition is to remind politicians and policy makers of the real human stories behind ‘the human element’ of the maritime industry. It provides a timely insight into the experience of seafarers during the Covid-19 pandemic as governments consider their responses to the latest variant of the virus.
"These striking images remind us of the day-to-day isolation of seafarers, far from family and friends, pursuing their profession with stoicism and pride, as they keep the world’s vital supply chains moving.”
Commenting on the ‘Out of Sight, Not out of Mind’ exhibit, IMO Secretary General Kitack Lim said: IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim said: “Our seafarers are heroes. We are so pleased to be able to host this exhibition which is truly unique. This amazing workforce and the activities they undertake day after day, often goes unseen. As they remain out of sight we often forget to fully acknowledge the importance of their work – this exhibition helps us to counter that by making their important contribution visible.”
