The Mission to Seafarers in Falmouth has swung into action to assist Filipino seamen from ships under repair at the docks contact loved ones in the Philippines after the country was hit by a typhoon.

Penny Phillips, chairman of The Centre, said “This is obviously a time of great worry for Filipino seafarers in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan. They wish to know if their loved ones are safe and we will do all we can to find the best source of information about which cities, towns and villages were affected, and to keep seafarers informed.

Several Filipino seafarers visiting the Falmouth Mission have reported losing contact with loved ones in the wake of the typhoon.

Penny Phillips and mission volunteer Graham Hall were on duty on Monday. Penny said: “We sat together and watched the latest news footage and soon seafarers were sharing their stories with us.”

Free phone cards were being offered to those who wanted to try to contact home. Free internet access is already available 24 hours a day at The Centre, and volunteers are on hand to hear and share the worries and concerns of the mariners.

“One seafarer has lost contact with a cousin who lives in Tacloban and four aunts on a neighbouring island. He told us that another cousin was in a two-storey house and at one point the water was up to her neck.” said Penny.

One seafarer who grew up in Tacloban but who now lives in Manila was not able to identify a single building due to the damage.