The Mission to Seafarers headquarters in Falmouth was full to capacity this week with crews from five vessels all converging on The Flying Angel Centre.

The mix of crew from CSL Argosy, MTS Victory, Nike, Rosco Cypress and HMS Mersey, included a British Royal Navy captain and mariners from China, Ukraine, the Philippines and St Vincent.

Penny Phillips, chairman, on duty at the centre with Graham Hall, Peter Wright and Jane McLennan said: “It was wonderful to see the interaction of crews – many nationalities but one big brotherhood.

“The Chinese crew of Rosco Cypress were very friendly and asked many questions. Almost all wanted to exchange US dollars for Sterling so they could spend some money in the town. The crew of Nike were alongside for just one evening and were keen to contact home.

“MTS Victory and CSL Argosy have been in port a while so their crew members were helping to assist us with the new arrivals.”

The commanding officer of HMS Mersey, Lieutenant Commander Sarah Oakley and her colleague joined the Rev Jon Robertshaw, the Mission’s chaplain, and volunteers for holy communion in the chapel. Following the service they spent time talking to volunteers and crew members from other vessels in port.

Penny added: “We have placed many new pins on our world map, with many provinces in China along with St Vincent now represented.”