Dr Priyaankaa Mathur

Indian flagged vessel the MV SAI ARAMBH has been reportedly abandoned since 18 October 2019 in the Port of Colombo, totaling a duration of over 33 months with six crew members remaining on board in distressing conditions.

The crew is facing deteriorating health, safety, and welfare conditions onboard, without fresh food and drinking water supplies. Tragically one of the crew members, a cook, drowned on 29th March 2022, while he was attempting to mend a damaged gangway trying to get ashore. This emphasizes the pathetic condition of the vessel itself too.

Captain Sanjay Prashar, MD of V R Maritime, commenting on the scenario said, “The vessel is owned by Indians, and represents an Indian flag, but does not comply with any requirements of the flag. The vessel was detained by port state control of Sri Lanka, and she was arrested in January 2020. There is no insurance on board, and in case any seafarer dies, there is no compensation paid to their families. Moreover on board, there is no compliance management. Since there is no insurance cover, no wages have been paid to the 6 seafarers left on the ship onboard.The onboard seafarers include the Master, the Chief Engineer, an Electrical Officer, AB, Deck Rating Officer, and a Motorman.”

On actions taken by the Indian and Sri Lankan Authorities he said, “So far, no action has been taken by any of the governments, since the matter is in the court, and has been left to the court to decide. That is what local DG shipping Sri Lanka is harping on since they don’t have a replacement crew and the ship’s crew is left alone to fend for themselves. I believe they have enslaved the seafarers onboard, having denied them the right to repatriation home.

“In spite of having Indian DG shipping, the Indian Embassy, Sri Lankan Embassy & Ministry of External Affairs, none are listening to the concerns of the seafarers to come back home. There are more than half a million dollars of wage claims which need to be settled, which can be recovered once the vessel is sold, and for that, you don’t need to detain the Seafarers. The Sri Lankan port should put their people onboard and claim the money when the ship is sold.”

“This is a total violation of the purpose the of Maritime Labor Convention which says that the seafarers cannot stay on board for more than 10 months, and in this situation, it’s over 33 months.

“The Government of India should repatriate them, and give them insurance cover. Also, the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society (SWFS) must come forward which has more than 200 crores with them, paid by all big companies. The trustees including DG Shipping, Shipping Master, ADG, and the Group of companies and Unions, all must take some action to help these Indian Seafarers in distress.

“Actually, the grievance redressal system of DG Shipping India has also failed to serve the purpose of helping people. They say, since the ship is on foreign soil, the MEA has to handle it. While, DG Shipping Sri Lanka, in this case requires a more responsible attitude, and a more humanitarian approach.

“The decision has to be taken by the Indian Government because there are Indian nationals involved. When Indian Seafarers can be repatriated from Ukraine during the war, why can’t they be repatriated from Sri Lanka? I think there needs to be a will to do these things.”

Commenting on the positive steps that have been taken in this regard, “We have raised the matter to the public, and the government but are yet to see some light. The Indian Embassy and ITF are aware and are providing them with food and drinking water. Human Rights at Sea (HRAS) has highlighted this issue at the House of Lords and to the whole world from London. We are thankful to Mr. David Hammond from HRAS.”

Marex Media