Circle Digital Ventures prioritises seafarers amidst rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz with free mental health support

The tense situation in the Strait of Hormuz has created a period of sustained hardship and fear for the global seafaring community. Recognising the mental and physical stress, anxiety and fear of those operating in the Middle East, Circle Digital Ventures (CDV) has mobilised its Swastha division to provide immediate, professional mental health support to crews navigating these volatile waters.

The humanitarian impact of this crisis is staggering, with approximately 20,000 seafarers and nearly 800 vessels currently affected or stranded within the region. For over six weeks, these individuals have faced the constant threat of military strikes and navigational hazards, all while being separated from their families during an incredibly high-stakes period. 

"Given the situation around the Strait of Hormuz, the team of professional psychologists at Swastha is being made available to provide confidential counselling support to any crews operating in the area and their families," said Meei Wong, Founder and CEO of Circle Digital Ventures. "All costs will be covered to ensure that mental health support is recognised as a standard of safety rather than a privilege."

Swastha is offering free 24/7 confidential counselling services to any affected crew members in the Gulf region. This initiative is designed to provide a safe space for seafarers to manage the psychological toll of operating in this high-risk zone, ensuring that mental health remains a priority even in the most demanding environments.

The psychological impact of working in volatile maritime corridors can lead to high levels of stress and anxiety. Behind every vessel is a crew dealing with the heavy weight of uncertainty and the constant strain of being on high alert. To help alleviate this mental burden, Swastha’s team of professional psychologists is standing by across multiple regions. Dedicated support lines have been established in Singapore, the Philippines and India to ensure that help is always available in a language and context that feels familiar and accessible to the crew.

The programme is built on the belief that no seafarer should have to process stress or anxiety in isolation. By making professional counsellors available through everyday tools like WhatsApp or direct calls, the initiative ensures that a supportive voice or texts is only a few taps away. For those who prefer to express their thoughts at their own pace, a dedicated email channel is monitored around the clock to ensure that every outreach is met with a timely and compassionate response.

In line with the CDV mission to modernise and improve the lives of seafarers, this support is being offered to the crews, their families or the shipping companies. Swastha is absorbing all expenses during this current crisis because of a firm conviction that mental health support should never be a luxury or a budgetary concern; it is a fundamental necessity for those who keep the world’s economy moving under difficult circumstances.

The ultimate goal of this outreach is to ensure that every crew member feels supported, heard and valued, no matter how challenging the waters ahead may become. In an industry that often measures success in cargo and speed, this initiative serves as a vital reminder that the human element remains the most important part of any journey.