WITH the strong possibility of a buyer bailout in the next few weeks, Ukranian crewmen aboard the arrested vessel MV Iskandar are hoping to head for home by the end of April.
The general cargo vessel was attached at the Port of Richards Bay on 8 February, the subject of a $33.5-million lawsuit.
Unpaid since November and in dire need of food and the means to contact home, efforts by the Richards Bay Combined Seafarers Club and the Zululand Observer saw locals rally to their assistance with parcels of food and toiletries.
The ship was later moved to the outer anchorage, but on Thursday was back at the Small Craft Harbour where ship’s agents and legal representatives were on hand to pay some of crew’s outstanding salaries.
Also on the bright side, negotiations are firmly in place with a potential buyer for the vessel and cargo.
This would allow the ship to be released and the crew will be free to go home to the Ukraine, where their loved ones are anxiously waiting.
‘They are obviously homesick but are in good spirits,’ said Seafarers Chaplain Mark Classen.
‘Their daily needs are basically taken care of via the agents, but I know they would appreciate ‘extras’ – small luxuries they cannot afford.
’We have received a wonderful offer of free Internet on the ship which at least keeps them in communication with home.’
Call 082 7445554 if you are able to assist in any way.
