Sailors suffer stress over long absences from families

RANK-AND-FILE members of the Defence Forces yesterday welcomed the intervention of Defence Minister Willie O’Dea in relation to an “alarming” report on the impact of extended sea patrols on sailors and their families.

The study, commissioned by PDFORRA, the association for soldiers, sailors and airmen, found high levels of stress and low morale among serving members in the naval service as a result of long-range sea patrols.

The report, entitled A Voyage of Discovery, said spouses felt betrayed, lonely and depressed by the extended absence from their loved ones.