Shipowners would face penalties for leaving lascars behind. Originally concern was expressed about Lascars, Asian seamen. Inevitably, permanent communities became established, including colonies of Lascars and Africans from the Guinea Coast. The ships held European merchants, lascars, and dozens of British families. There were also a very few Indian lascars who worked under the harbour master. Most of the crew were Indian lascars. A crew of lascars would be led by a Serang. They were known by the British as "lascars". The home helped and supported lascars and sailors from as far as China. Language barriers between officers and lascars made the use of translators very important. In 1873, 3,271 lascars arrived in Britain. In 1891 there were 24,037 lascars employed on British merchant ships. Due to the majority being "lascars", the earliest Muslim communities were found in port towns. The ill-treatment of lascars continued into the 19th century. Three Lascars died in Prince William Sound, Alaska.