11 Seafarers 'Starved at Sea', Reports Unions

Eleven crewmen aboard the Egyptian coal carrier Wadi Alkarm, currently docked in Port Kembla, have taken strike action after they were deprived of food and drink for 12 hours a day at sea.

Australia’s Immigration Department also revoked the mariners’ maritime visas, which are guaranteed under international law, according to the International Transport Workers’ Federation. In addition, the crew’s wages have reportedly been slashed by half, with no explanation from their boss.

ITF Australia assistant coordinator Matt Purcell said the Egyptian Government-owned coal carrier was in breach of the Maritime Labor Convention, and although Egypt is not a signatory they are bound by the convention while sailing in Australian waters. 

“We have come to expect this kind of behavior from some overseas governments and employers, but I never thought the Australian government would treat international seafarers with such disdain,” Mr Purcell said referring to the Department of Immigration pulling their visas.

Maritime Union of Australia Southern New South Wales secretary Garry Keane boarded the vessel recently to check on the men’s welfare. He reported that the crewmembers stated they would not crew the ship and they would remain on strike at Port Kembla until their demands are met.

The mariners are demanding that the policy of no food between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. be reversed permanently, not just until they sail out of Australian waters, and they want their previous wages reinstated with back pay from June when the wages were cut.

Two crewmen are also seeking medical attention, with Immigration reinstating their visa for that purpose. The others were told they would be detained if they left the ship.