
Economist Podcasts No port in a storm: the world’s stranded sailors
Jun 16, 2020
Tom Wainwright, The Economist's media editor, delves into the plight of merchant seamen stranded at sea during the pandemic. He highlights the critical role these essential workers play in global trade while discussing the mental health toll of their extended contracts. The conversation also tackles the spread of misinformation, emphasizing its impact on political polarization and public trust. Lastly, Wainwright touches on the surprising puppy shortage in Britain, linking it to the changes brought by lockdowns and societal shifts.
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Shipping Industry's Importance
- The shipping industry is vital for global trade, responsible for 90% of goods transport.
- COVID-19 travel restrictions are stranding hundreds of thousands of seamen at sea.
Stranded Seamen
- Helen Joyce highlights the plight of 250,000 seamen stranded at sea, a month past their contracts.
- Ports' refusal to accept sailors, due to lockdowns, fuels the crisis.
Overlooked Essential Workers
- Governments prioritized lorry drivers to keep supermarkets stocked, overlooking seamen.
- Seamen's continuous work, despite hardships, has led to their needs being ignored.

