NISSI COMMANDER I

General information

Course/Position

Latest news

Situation of stranded crew still desperate

The Port Captaincy of Santa Marta has launched an investigation process against the Mongolian-flagged tank m/v ‘Nissi Commander I’, 7973 gt (IMO: 8705333). The accusation was addressed to the owner, maritime agent and captain of the vessel, but did not specify the responsibilities that they assume in this case in which 15 crew members have also been affected who denounced the precarious conditions on board. The investigation was ongoing to define the sanction that will be imposed on those involved. The ship was given a maximum period of two days to set sail from the Bay of Santa Marta on Feb 11. The uncertainty grew among the crew of the ship which has been abandoned in the Bay of Santa Marta since January 4 due to the unhealthy conditions they were facing. The lawyer Pastor Jaramillo, attorney of several crew members, through a petition requested the Mayor's Office of Santa Marta to urgently intervene the motor ship to correct the epidemiological risk factors that were on board. Photographic and video evidence exposed the difficulties the crew was suffering on the ship due to the lack of energy, water and food. The food they receive was sent by the shipowner in a boat without any type of protocol that can avoid contagion with Covid-19. The crew waas hired in October 2020, and they were only paid one month's salary. From then on, irregularities and inconveniences have been constant for all of them. The vessel had sailed from Panama on Oct 2, bound for the Dominican Republic, with the aim of unloading its cargo. However, financial problems have caused the current crisis. As of Feb 11, the ship remained stationary in pos. 11° 14.45' N 074° 13.52' W.

Crew left ship without sanitary control

The General Maritime Directorate, Dimar, through the Captaincy of the Port of Santa Marta announced that an investigation was launched to determine whether the 'Nissi Commander I', which has been anchored for several days in Samarian waters, violated the regulations. The ship arrivedon Jan 4, 2021, in order to replenish food and later continue with its route, but the crew on board the ship, arguing that they were without food, descended from the ship without any type of sanitary control and entered the city to stock up on food.. Within the investigation that was being carried out, it was sought to verify if there was really an abandonment by the shipowner, with whom there has been constant communication to address the situation that has been occurring on board the vesse. The Dimar ratified that the vessel, although it did not have the city of Santa Marta as its final destination, requested to enter the portin order to resupply after leaving the Dominican Republic. Once the statements have been heard, it will be decided whether to file charges if merchant marine regulations have been violated. It was preliminarily ruled out that the ship is a source of contagion, since it was determined that none of the crew members had symptoms associated with Covid-19. There was a permanent communication with the captain, and there was coordination with Port Health so that in the event that a special situation arises, it can be dealt with immediately.