Improving seafarer mental health in traumatic situations

News of the fatal pirate attack on the Turkish-flagged boxship Mozart, which left one seafarer dead and 15 others kidnapped, brings into sharp focus the need for urgent psychological first aid and professional mental health assistance in such situations, where the remaining crew onboard need to be supported, according to Christian Ayerst, CEO at Mental Health Support Solutions (MHSS). Ayerst said: “Such news is likely to increase anxiety in the seafaring community, especially for those entering areas known for piracy attacks.”