Seafarers El Faro Assistance Fund Launched

From the AFL-CIO

The Seafarers International Union has launched the Seafarers El Faro Assistance Fund to help with the unanticipated financial hardships of the families of mariners who perished when the U.S.-flagged cargo ship El Faro sank off the coast of the Bahamas after being caught in Hurricane Joaquin. Seventeen of the El Faro crew members were represented by the SIU, 11 were represented by the American Maritime Officers, and five were Polish nationals.

The Seafarers International Union would greatly appreciate any contribution to help the families of our fallen SIU brothers and sisters. Any organization or individual may make a tax-deductible donation to the fund, and 100 percent of the donations will go towards grants for the families.

Contributions to the Seafarers El Faro Assistance Fund may be made by check or by paypal via: www.seafarers.org . If donating by check, please make it out to "Seafarers El Faro Assistance Fund" and mail to:

Seafarers El Faro Assistance Fund

c/o SIU Secretary-Treasurer

5201 Auth Way

Camp Springs, MD 20746

The SIU and the families of El Faro crew members greatly appreciate the response they’ve received since the vessel went missing. From coast to coast, the outpouring of support has brought comfort during a time of profound sadness that the families and loved ones of the crew of the El Faro, the Seafarers International Union and the entire maritime community is enduring as a result of this tragedy.

If you have any questions, please contact Courtney Pecquex at Cpecquex@aflcio.org or by phone at (202) 637-5243. Thank you.