Seamen stranded after ship arrested
A $33.5m lawsuit leaves sailors stranded and hungry.
UNPAID since November last year, the 15-man Ukranian crew aboard a ship impounded in the Port of Richards Bay is barely surviving on the vessel’s last remaining food stores.
And they may well be stranded here for the next three months as legal action proceeds.
The general cargo ship MV Iskandar, which entered the Bay harbour on 8 February was placed under arrest by an international bank as the owners face a $33.5-million claim.
Although the Sheriff has appointed agents to take care of the needs of the sailors, this has not happened and they are getting by solely thanks to the assistance of the Richards Bay Combined Seafarers Club.
‘It is a sad situation,’ said Seafarers Chaplain, Mark Classen.
‘They are unable to afford their repatriation costs and are living on the remains of pasta and rice rations.
‘What little meat there is stinks and must be a health hazard. They are catching fish and drying them in the sun.’
Seafarers staff have been providing what assistance they can, delivering food supplies and toiletry bags as well as SIM cards and top-up airtime so the crew can at least contact their families.
‘We urge the public to kindly respond this desperate state of affairs,’ said Classen.
‘Food, toiletries and airtime are the main requirements.
‘I am hoping some generous companies can provide food in bulk.
‘Anyone who can assist can call me on 082 7445554 or 035 7979341.’
