Stranded Mariners Assisted by Local Community

Why are Canadians donating money to eight Central American mariners stranded aboard their vessel in Nova Scotia?

The crew of the Craig Trans, a Bolivian-flagged tug headed for Montreal, was forced to take refuge in Halifax last month due to a severe winter storm. When Transport Canada conducted a routine safety check, they found numerous violations including failing navigation equipment and defective escape hatches – preventing them from leaving.

The crewmembers onboard claim that the owner has not repaired the ship in an effort to get it released, nor have they been paid. The conditions aboard the tug are unacceptable; there are live and dead cockroaches in almost every part of the ship.

Non-profit organization, Mission to Seafarers, is attempting to raise at least $12,000 to help the crewmen return to their homes and families. And Nova Scotia citizens are eager to participate, already donating nearly $5,000 and enough airline miles for three one-way flights.

The ship’s owner has not been in contact in about one month.

Photo Credit: http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=1442907