Abandoned Crew May Get Relief Soon

The 17 crew members of the Panama-flagged M/V Aegean Princess have been stranded for eight months anchored off the coast of Sharjah, which is a United Arab Emirates state. It is reported that the Indian crew is running out of food and water and wages have not been paid. Crewmembers are ill to the lack of food and water onboard.

The 1,915 dwt cargo ship owned by Dubai-based Vihaan Trading. The captain of the vessel, Tin Ko Ko, sent a letter to the Dubai Maritime City Authority stating Vihaan Trading has not kept promises. 

The letter also said that the vessel does not have centralized air conditioning and the crew has been forced to sleep together on the bridge, mess room and captain’s cabin. Meanwhile, nine of the 17 crewmembers have completed assignments, but are unable to return home due to being abandoned.

Vihaan Trading said they contacted Karim Harbi to supply the ship with stores and provisions three months ago. When contacted this week, Harbi said his support vessels are in transit to the ship and crew will be transported home no later than the end of September.