The European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) and also the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) contacted EU Vice President Margaritis Schinas and also Commissioner Ylva Johansson, articulating their severe worry concerning the altruistic situation aboard the oil vessel Maersk Etienne.
The vessel saved 27 individuals greater than a month back and also stays in the Mediterranean waiting for a choice by federal governments on which port will certainly enable their disembarkation.
The 27 saved individuals consist of a youngster and also an expectant female and also have actually gotten on board for greater than a month, surviving the vessel’s deck in extremely challenging problems.
Image Credits: etf-europe. org
The team has actually offered them with water, food and also coverings and also various other assistance any place feasible. However, food and also clinical products are going out, and also the team is not educated to give the clinical therapy required neither to handle the extended circumstance with at risk individuals aboard. Merchant vessels and also their teams are not outfitted or educated to give the needed treatment that these troubled individuals require.
“It is unacceptable that after having rendered assistance by rescuing the persons, the Maersk Etienne has been left entangled in legal and diplomatic disputes between States awaiting a designation of a port for disembarkation. This has caused a humanitarian crisis on board which imperils both the crew and the rescued persons. All governments involved need to take on their responsibilities here and work towards an immediate solution” commented Martin Dorsman, ECSA Secretary General.
“We urgently call on the European Commission to show political leadership by engaging with and coordinating talks between all governments involved for a resolution of this situation. A pragmatic, swift and solidary solution is needed to ensure the rescued persons are treated with humanity and dignity and that their rights are fully respected. The safety of the distressed persons and the crew is a higher principle that should serve to ensure that the disembarkation takes place immediately in a place of safety,” wrapped up Estelle Brentnall, ETF Head of Maritime.
Reference: ecsa.eu
