Working Conditions Aboard the Mira

The vessel 'Mira' faced detention in the port of Tuapse on August 19, 2026, due to a staggering nine detainable deficiencies identified during an inspection. These deficiencies include critical safety and operational issues across various categories, notably the safety of navigation, life-saving appliances, and pollution prevention. Among the most pressing concerns was the lack of a voyage or passage plan (IMO 10127), raising alarms about navigational safety. Compounding these issues were serious problems related to lifeboats (IMO 11101) and deficiencies in necessary ship certificates (IMO 1199). The crew certificates also fell short, with endorsements missing from the flag state (IMO 1214) and deficiencies in seafarers' employment agreements (IMO 1220). Further, the inspection revealed issues with the propulsion main engine (IMO 13101(2)) and auxiliary engine (IMO 13102), which could severely impact the vessel’s operational capabilities. Environmental regulations were also violated, as the Ballast Water Management System (IMO 14811) did not meet the required standards. The ISM code compliance was another area of concern (IMO 15150), along with substandard accommodation and recreational facilities on board, particularly relating to heating, air conditioning, and ventilation (IMO 18321). Issues pertaining to weathertight conditions (IMO 3108) and emergency systems (IMO 4107) compounded the situation, as did deficiencies in fire safety measures (IMO 7110 and IMO 7126) and poor working conditions, highlighted by inadequate lighting in working spaces (IMO 9203). Prior to this incident, the 'Mira' had been detained in Novorossiysk on December 9, 2025, due to just one deficiency, showcasing a significant decline in compliance over the intervening period. The present situation raises concerns about the vessel's overall seaworthiness and adherence to maritime safety regulations.

On December 9, 2025, the vessel 'Mira' was detained at the port of Novorossiysk after arriving from Samsun. This action came as a result of a thorough port state control inspection conducted under the Black Sea Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Inspectors identified a significant deficiency during their examination, specifically focusing on the ship’s safety management system and accompanying documentation. This incident highlights the ongoing scrutiny of maritime safety protocols within the Black Sea region.

The vessel MIRA, identified by IMO number 7637319, has been flagged as abandoned, according to a recent report from the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF). Currently registered under the flag of Cameroon, the ship is stationed at the Samsun anchorage in Turkiye. Key details surrounding this troubling situation include: - **Owed Wages**: The crew has not received their salaries for the past four months. - **Number of Crew Members**: There are 12 seafarers aboard. - **Nationalities of Crew**: The crew comprises individuals from Azerbaijan, India, and Turkiye. - **Reporting Date**: This abandonment was officially reported to the ITF on June 25, 2025. - **Current Status**: The case remains open as the ITF continues to monitor the situation. This information is drawn from the ITF Seafarers' abandonment list, which serves as an essential resource in tracking instances of crew abandonment on a global scale. The plight of the MIRA's crew underscores the ongoing challenges faced by seafarers and highlights the importance of vigilance and support from maritime organizations.