35 year old UAE Coin Placed on Keel of the "Angel" as a Token of Good Luck at Mission to Seafarers' VIP Ceremony
The Mission to Seafarers in Dubai, part of the international organisation that cares for seafarers regardless of race or religion in over 300 ports around the world, today hosted a ceremony to lay the keel of the "Angel" Seafarers' support boat at the Albwardy Ship Yard on Dubai Creek. A host of VIPs were present and in a traditional gesture of good luck, a rare 50 Fils coin dating back to 1971, the year the UAE was formed, was ceremoniously placed on to the keel.
Douglas Dowie, CEO, National Bank of Dubai, said, "I am honoured to leave a piece of the UAE's history in the keel of the "Angel". In this case 50 Fils will go a long way and definitely make a difference for those unfortunate seafarers stranded off shore."
The aim of the Angel Appeal is to raise over US$ 1 million before the end of 2006 to build and equip the boat appropriately named "Angel" to support some of the estimated 140,000 seafarers using the East Coast Anchorages of the UAE each year.
The customised boat is being built by Albwardy Marine in Al Jadaf, Dubai and will provide an Internet Caf, a library with both educational and fictional DVDs and books, a medical clinic with a fully trained paramedic, access to telecommunications and pastoral and spiritual support with a dedicated Welfare Officer. The order for the "Angel" was placed in February, the hull should be ready by September and the vessel is scheduled for completion by the end of 2006, a remarkable achievement which coincides with the international charity's 150th anniversary.
Ali Albwardy, owner of Albwardy Marine, stated, "When I heard about this project, I wanted to give it my wholehearted support. Supporting the Angel Appeal is my way of contributing towards those less fortunate than myself."
The service will operate every week for 72 hours at a time, by sailing out to the ships using the East Coast Anchorage, allowing seafarers to step off their ships for a period of rest and relaxation. With 99% of all UAE imports arriving by sea we all have a vested interesting in ensuring the welfare of seafarers. The "Angel" will offer many seafarers support and help who are unable to come ashore.
Commenting on the project, Reverend Stephen Miller of The Mission to Seafarers in Dubai, commented, "It is a little known fact that many seafarers are recruited for much less than the international recommendation of between US$ 800 to US$ 1,400 per month. In addition it is not uncommon for them to work seven days a week, on contracts ranging from six to eighteen months, which they must fulfill before they are allowed home.
With the East Coast of the UAE anchoring between 100 to150 ships off shore at any given time far too many seafarers cannot afford or do not get the opportunity to come ashore and as many as 2,000 seafarers could be unable to communicate with family and friends at home for weeks, sometimes months leading to isolation and loneliness, which the "Angel" is designed to alleviate."
Amongst other VIPs in attendance were Mohammad Natafji, Managing Director, Fujairah National Group, Hamid Mattar bin Lahej, General Manager, Jadaf Dubai and John Mittelstein, Marketing Manager, Port of Fujairah.
For anyone wishing to support The Angel Appeal or make a donation, please contact Stephen Miller on 04 344 1823 or email the Appeal Team on mts150@eim.ae
-Ends-
Note to the Editor:
The Angel Appeal Committee members includes:
David May, Chair of The Angel Appeal
Doug Dowie, CEO, National Bank of Dubai
Terrence Holland, Director Middle East, Rolls Royce
Michael Kaile, Vice President and MD, The Fairmont Dubai
Philip d'Abo, Albawardy Investments
James Berry, James Berry & Associates
Colin Leitch, CEO, Al Futtaim Motors
Rev. Steven Miller, Mission to Seafarers, Dubai
For media information, please contact:
Nathalie Visele
Director
Shamal Marketing Communications (SMC)
PO Box 24459
Suite 712, The Fairmont Hotel
Sheikh Zayed Road
Dubai,
United Arab Emirates
Tel.: +971 50 4576525
Fax: +971 4 3124313
E-mail: nathalie@theshamalgroup.com
© Press Release 2006
