BP Marine helps to keep the 'Angel' flying

Reverend Stephen Miller, Director and Port Chaplain, The Mission to Seafarers, Dubai, said:

"We are very happy to welcome BP Marine aboard, their generous donation of lube oil will help to ensure that the Flying Angel's' maintenance costs are kept to a minimum helping to maintain this vital link with distressed seafarers."

The UAE's east coast is the second largest bunker anchorage in the world which is used by over 10,500 ships each year. During this time, over 200,000 seafarers are unable to communicate with family and friends at home for weeks, sometimes months, leading to isolation and loneliness. The vessel has an Internet café, a library with DVDs and books, a medical clinic, access to telecommunications and pastoral support.

"It is heart-warming that even in this difficult economic climate, organisations such as BP Marine are not abandoning their corporate social responsibility," added Reverend Miller.

Operated by The Mission to Seafarers in Dubai, the Flying Angel was commissioned by HRH The Prince of Wales in a ceremony on Dubai creek, in February 2007. Since then she has visited an average of 5-6 ships daily, and welcomed on board around 70 seafarers every day.

However the Mission for Seafarers is constantly looking for donations to fund the $750 a day running costs of the Flying Angel. In August a 16-strong expedition of volunteers from Dubai, will attempt to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The climbers hope to raise in excess of Dhs200,000.