Idol Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

The yacht 'Idol' has finally departed from Ajaccio on December 26, 2019, following a lengthy four-month detention. The vessel had been docked at the French port since August 28, caught in a tumultuous dispute involving its crew and owner. After its departure, 'Idol' made its way to Valletta on December 28. The owner, Thomas Leclerq, established an escrow account with a substantial 2.2 million Euros on December 23. These funds, which are currently held by the President of the Draguignan Bar, are intended to settle the grievances raised by the crew members, comprised of six Filipino workers, along with claims brought forth by captain Philippe Frasse-Mathon, his mate, and two mechanics. The crew leveled serious accusations against Leclerq, highlighting multiple violations of labor law, including excessive working hours that sometimes reached up to 90 hours a week without a single day off. They contend that the yacht owner sought to circumvent French labor regulations through common yet questionable practices. The precautionary measure halting the yacht's activities was initiated when it was docked at the Tino-Rossi quay, situated in the industrial section of Ajaccio. Amid the unfolding drama, two judicial hearings were postponed, initially scheduled for November 15 and December 20. A new court date has been set for April 10, 2020, at 9 a.m., as the legal battle continues to unfold.