Detained crew asks to leave amid modern slavery claims

The replacement crew of a Panama-registered ship asks repatriation, as the ship has been detained in Sharpness Docks, Gloucestershire, for over two months,  amid claims ‘modern day slavery’ conditions.

The Panama-registered Tahsin has been detained at the Docks, since early June, after a complaint was received that the crew were not paid their wages. Authorities also found crew members living off sea water and out-of-date food.

The original crew left in mid-June, but the replacement crew remains onboard. Local media report that the new crew said they want to leave, as nothing was done to improve living conditions and safety.

The Turkish owners of the Panama-registered ship met with the International Transport Workers Federation(ITF) last week, but no progress had been made.

The 81-metre long vessel was detained by UK MCA, which found a series of dysfunctions onboard, such as ventilation inoperative, nautical publications missing, endorsement by flag state missing, seafarers’ employment agreement invalid, operational readiness of lifesaving equipment expired, and unpaid wages, among others.

Seafarers’ charity Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) has been providing welfare and pastoral support to both the original and the replacement crew, by viviting frequently since its detention. AoS said that it will continue supporting the remaining seafarers on board until they are repatriated.