The U.K.-based charity Human Rights at Sea (HRAS) has published a copy of a desperate letter for help from the remaining Indian seafarers on the Hong Kong flagged MV Liberty Prrudencia abandoned in China by the owner Paramount Liberty Shipping.
The letter was sent to the charity as well as several other welfare organizations, including the ITF.
The letter was sent to the charity as well as several other welfare organizations, including the ITF.
The crew have been at anchor off Zhoushan, China, waiting final sign off from their existing employment contracts and payment in full of their outstanding wages. The amounts owed range from $34,799 to $743 and, in total, amount to $148,465.25.
HRAS calls for immediate repatriation and settling of all outstanding wages to the remaining 13 Indian crew members
The crew’s employers have alleged a lack of funds to pay the full amount owed, and it is possible that the remainder will be remitted through the P& I Club. The vessel is owned by Paramount Liberty Shipping and managed by Sushe Marine Services.
Many of the crew sought to sign-off in January due to the deteriorating conditions on board. They did so in some cases knowing that their visas would be expiring and that without the ability to renew their visas owners would not repatriate them. This caused significant anxiety among those affected who remain onboard, says Human Rights at Sea.Some of the crew have allegedly been assaulted by the master, with Human Rights at Sea receiving written and signed testimony. The Second Officer alleges he was struck with a golf club.
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