DESERT DIAMOND

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Course/Position

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25 crew members stuck on board

The 25 crew members stuck on board the 'Desert Diamond' in Cape Town Harbour claimed they are being prevented from going home to see their families. Some of the men have been at sea for six months and longer. Between 110 and 115 crew members were initially on the vessel, but some have returned home while the Russian colleagues, about a third of the crew, were flown home. Oceana also brought in a relief Russian crew, who were actually in quarantine. A spokesperson for Oceana Grou said the company’s front-line employees, including those on vessels, were required to observe stringent protocols. The crew has the option to leave at any time, but must bear in mind that once they leave, they will only be allowed to return to the vessel once they test negative for Covid-19 and observe the mandatory quarantine period While the crew said they were healthy, are being fed and treated well, all they wanted was to return home. The Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU) asked the office of the National Fishing Sector Coordinator for clarity on the future of 1500 sea-going workers in similar positions. The union’s letter to the national Fishing Sector Coordinator was dated Sep 29, 2020. . The SAMSA was aware of the situation regarding the 'Desert Diamond' and currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the situation and will issue official communication in due course.