Seafarers abandoned at Santander

THE International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) says it is in negotiations to win a “substantial amount” in back wages owed to 25 crew members who were left on an abandoned vessel at Santander, Spain.

The ITF says that the mainly Cameroonian seafarers on board the Greek-owned, Panama-flag 13,586 gt cargo vessel Meugang 1, have been stranded in the port for three months and have had to endure appalling conditions; the vessel was infested with lice and rats and had to be fumigated. They are owed more than euros140,000 (US$191,000) to cover outstanding wages backdated to October.

The seafarers are hoping that the new owners of the vessel – the ship was recently sold - will pay them their outstanding wages. The ITF, led by the federation’s inspector representing the Spanish affiliate ELA-hainbat, Mohamed Arrachedi, is currently negotiating with the new owner’s representatives to see that their claim is settled. If this does not happen, the ITF will assist the crew in taking their claim to court.

In the meantime, the seafarers, who have been facing destitution, are being assisted by the ITF and the local branch of another affiliate, CCOO. They are currently relying on food donated by charitable organisations. Four of the crew who were admitted to hospital suffering from a range of conditions on their arrival in port have now been discharged and are receiving medication on board.

Mohamed Arrachedi commented: “We are thankful for the assistance of the organisations we are working with, as this has now become a humanitarian crisis. For example, one crew member has been on board the vessel for two years without any holidays. Not receiving any salary on top of all they have had to endure is a catastrophe for these seafarers.”