After grounding, Wakashio cut up as the results of development of a crack in its No. 8 cargo maintain, studies proprietor. [Image: Mobilisation Nationale Wakashio]
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is looking for the speedy launch and repatriation of the crew of the MV Wakashio (IMO: 9337119), the Capesize bulker that made the headlines when it grounded off Mauritius final 12 months, inflicting widespread air pollution. Its crew have since been held by Mauritian authorities.
“This week marks the one year anniversary of the grounding of the MV Wakashio and the environmental catastrophe associated with it,” stated David Heindel, ITF Seafarers’ Section chair. “This week also marks one year since the Mauritian authorities have held members of the crew and prevented them from leaving the Republic, most have been effectively detained without charge.”
Heindel stated the ITF and its affiliated seafarers’ unions have “deep concerns” concerning the therapy of the crew Mauritian authorities. He stated the federation final week wrote to the president of the Republic of Mauritius, Prithvirajsing Roopun. In its letter, the ITF appealed for President Roopun’s help to see authorized proceedings superior and the expeditious conclusion of the now-year-long saga confronted by the crew.
“The ITF supports thorough, independent investigations of the factors relating to any maritime incident, including those that may have affected the grounding of the MV Wakashio. In this instance, we are concerned about the lack of appropriate legal proceedings taking place regarding the Wakashio crew,” stated the Heindel. “While, in a particular context, criminal charges against seafarers may be justified, it is important that people have access to justice and are treated fairly. Access to justice and fair treatment by the authorities are fundamental human rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We believe the treatment experienced by the crew of the Wakashio violates their human rights.”
Following the grounding, Captain Sunil Kumar Nandeshwar and Chief Officer Tilakaratna Subodha had been arrested by Mauritian authorities. On August 18, 2020 they had been charged with endangering protected navigation. The pair have been detained in jail since their arrest and have been denied bail. Most of the rest of the crew have been detained beneath “house arrest” and saved in an area resort, seemingly on the grounds that they could be required to look as witnesses in a trial that has but to begin.
In the ITF’s letter, Heindel and ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton appealed to Mauritian authorities to think about the human value that delayed proceedings and pointless detention would have on the crew and their households:
“At current, nearly all of the Wakashio crew within the care of your courts haven’t been charged with any offense, but they’re nonetheless not free to go away Mauritius. As a consequence, a few of these seafarers haven’t seen their households for greater than two years. This is as a result of, previous to the maritime accident in July final 12 months, among the crew had already been on board the vessel in extra of 12 months—past the authorized restrict set by the Maritime Labor Convention (2006, as amended).
“Two years is just too lengthy to be away from family members. The crew’s ongoing detention provides to the stress of their households lots of whom are battling the current pandemic and its financial results, with out the help and presence of their fathers, husbands, brothers, and sons. The households need them to return dwelling.
“We ask that you do all that is within your power and influence to bring this saga to an expeditious conclusion, for the sake of the seafarers—and for the Republic’s reputation of as an upholder of human rights.”
CRIMINALIZATION OF SEAFARERS IS ON THE RISE
Heindel stated that whereas the Wakashio accident was “deeply unfortunate,” with the ITF sharing considerations concerning the impression of the accident on the ocean surroundings; the federation might “stand by and allow what appears to be an example of criminalization of seafarers.”
According to Heindel, criminalization of seafarers is on the rise.
“Whether it is felt by the crew of the Wakashio who were effectively detained without charge, or the drawn-out threat of criminal charges against the Ever Given crew to bolster the Suez Canal Authority’s negotiating position over damages: seafarers are being cynically targeted all over the world by officials just for doing our jobs,” stated Heindel.
