Montrose basketball sessions putting bounce back in Filipino sailors’ step

Filipino sailors have taken aim during a basketball tournament organised to keep their spirits up during the oil industry downturn.

There are now hundreds of offshore support vessels moored in Norwegian fjords and European ports, with the crews largely made up of Filipinos.

The worry that their ship won’t earn its keep and they will have to go back home to the dole queue has led to Montrose Port chaplains visiting ships with an interest in the welfare of the sailors.

They have suggested they visit The Haven, which is a refuge sponsored by local shipping-related business and staffed by volunteers from Montrose churches where Seafarers can meet colleagues from other ships, play table tennis and use the free wifi to speak to their loved ones back home.

The chaplains also listen to individual concerns, provide books, and offer leisure activities.

Mike Burleigh, honorary chaplain, said: “Basketball is the Filipino national game.

“A basketball league is obviously a great tonic for these guys and we do have an enviable sports hall here at the Montrose Leisure Centre.”