Basketball Break for Seafarers

On Monday, 18 May, seafarers staying at the drydock in Antwerp enjoyed a well-deserved break after weeks of demanding work while their vessel undergoes major repairs.

Even after completing a full day’s shift, the crew eagerly joined a lively 90-minute basketball match at Sporthal Luchtbal. To make the evening more exciting, they divided themselves into two teams — Team Propeller and Team Anchor — and played with enthusiasm and determination.

After a hard-fought but friendly game, Team Propeller claimed victory. Both the winners and the runners-up received prizes, adding to the joy of the evening and making it a memorable experience for everyone.

The match brought laughter, friendship, and a sense of togetherness among the seafarers, many of whom have spent more than a month in drydock during their long voyage at sea. During such demanding periods, opportunities for recreation and social connection are rare, which made the event especially meaningful.

One seafarer happily shared, “We were very happy. The gifts were small, but the game and the opportunity itself were the biggest prize.”

The event was jointly orgnised by Stella Maris and other partners from Antwerp Seafarer's Welfare. Moments like these are important for the wellbeing of seafarers, giving them a chance to relax, strengthen friendships, and briefly step away from the pressures of life and work at sea.

In the end, it was not only Team Propeller that won — the evening itself was a victory for everyone involved.