The International Transport Workers Federation(ITF) along with Australian authorities was resolving the case involving crew mistreatment, wage theft, and poor living conditions aboard the 'Eleen Sofia'. The vessel was being closely monitored and frequently inspected by its Australian inspectorate. The ITF stated that the vessel changed its ownership in 2023. The vessel has a poor track record of living conditions onboard and also has a history of failing to pay the crew wages. A review record indicated that the vessel was detained for 10 days by the U.S. Coast Guard in New Orleans, in 2022 due to safety deficiencies. In April 2024, the ITF claimed to have discovered that the provisions aboard the ship had been depleted with no access to food for the crew. The crew argued that the ship owner had repeatedly failed to replenish provisions and provide better living conditions for them. The crew also alleged that while anchored at Bangladesh the ship reported no air conditioning in the crewmember's cabin area for over three months. The ITF also stated about the unresolved case regarding the disappearance and presumed death of the ship’s cook who went overboard when the ship was anchored in South China. In February 2024, the ITF became aware of the unpaid and overdue wages of the crew, when the vessel docked in Adelaide and later in Portland, Victoria. The ITF reported that its inspectorate was able to address the wage issues and lack of provision of the vessel at that time. However, the ship left Australia and visited other ports before returning to Mackay, where the same issues were identified by the Australian inspectorate. Currently, thr ITF along with the Australia Border Force and Local port Authorities in Queensland was working to ensure the remaining crew aboard the ship have access to decent, healthy living conditions with medical attention, shore leave, and possible repatriation despite the ship being under arrest. This assistance is provided to the crew while the issues of the ship were being addressed.
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OHSHU MARU
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on May 3, 2024, issued a warrant of seizure and detention (WSD) of the 'Ohshu Maru' for drifting and loitering in the Bohol Sea since April 22, en route to the port of Kinuura, while there was no contraband found aboard the ship. The warrant was issued because the captain did not give a notice of arrival when the vessel started drifting to the Bohol Sea on April 22. The ship’s master only has 24 hours after its arrival to file a notice or protest explaining the circumstances of the change in its course. The vessel was advised by its charterer to drift to a safe place at Philippine Sea while en route to the port of Kinuura. Captain Agmata was also adamant that he and his crew did not allow any vessel to come close to their ship while it was ddrift. But while the letter expressed his apology for not reporting immediately, the vessel must still be subjected to seizure proceedings because it is the proper forum for Mr. Agmata to explain what happened. The explanation was still subject to approval under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and other applicable laws, rules, and regulations. The warrant also recommended the vessel be continuously under monitoring by the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard until a clearance from the proper authorities has been issued. The vessel’s intent to avoid detection of any irregular movements made it the subject of inspection proceedings because of the possibility of its involvement in smuggling activities. The 'Ohshu Maru' turned off its AIS transmission in Malaysia for a day and eight hours before entering Philippine waters. Even the Coast Guard Station in Siquijor was unable to establish a radio communication with the ship. The vessel, its master, and crew could face charges in violation of Sections 214, 218, 300, and 1212 of the CMTA, the Customs Memorandum Circular No. 08-2019, and Customs Administrative Order No. 15-2020.
DARYA SHAAN
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority(AMSA) imposed a 180-day ban on the 'Darya Shaan' for serious safety and maintenance issues. The ship has been detained from entering Australia after the vessel failed to report serious defects in the main engine and the machinery. On April 26, 2024, the vessel docked at Port of MELBOURNE, where it was inspected by the AMSA, and several maintenance issues were identified. The inspection revealed serious defects in the main engine and monitoring system. The engine room alarm system was found faulty and has a defective starting arrangement for the two generators. The maintenance of the vessel was also poor, as evidence from the 19 deficiencies found after the survey. Moreover, the safety management system was also not effective enough in maintaining the vessel safety standards. The AMSA reported that the vessel operator took repeated risks with the vessel, and the safety of the crew and endangered the Australian Marine Environment. The AMSA stated that it would have not detained the vessel under the port state control procedure if only the operator of the vessel, Anglo-Eastern Ship Management, had followed the protocol and reported the defects to the authorities.
BLUE STAR PATMOS
In the afternoon hours of May 2, 2024, the Port Authority of Syros was informed about the emergency approach of the 'Blue Star Patmos' in the port. The ferry had deviated from its scheduled route, in order to disembark a sick passenger.
KNOSSOS PALACE
In the evening of May 4, 2024, the Unified Center for Coordination of SAR in Heraklion was informed by the Master of the 'Knossps Palace' that while the ship was carrying out a scheduled route from Heraklion to the ports of Milos and Piraeus, a 9-year-old passenger required immediate hospital treatment. The ship returned to the port of Heraklion, where the patient disembarked safely and was transported by ambulance to the University General Hospital of Heraklion for the provision of first aid. Afterwards, the ferry set sail with 119 crew members and 951 passengers on board to the port of Milos.