Working Conditions Aboard the Kypros-Sea

A new charter has been successfully finalized for a vessel, set to commence operations in Haldia on July 1, 2023. The charter deal is valued at $11,250 per day and spans a trading period of 11 to 13 months. The agreement has been made with an undisclosed charterer, referred to as Chart Not Rep, further enhancing market activity in the region.

The maritime community in Gladstone is abuzz with the recent return of Venancio Salas Jr., the former captain of the 'Sage Sagittarius'. Salas arrived in Gladstone aboard the 'Kypros Sea' on February 15, 2016, after a lengthy voyage that began in Brazil the previous June. His return comes at a tumultuous time, aligning with a Senate inquiry focused on the dangers associated with so-called flag of convenience vessels, which was heavily influenced by the tragic events onboard the 'Sage Sagittarius' in 2012. During those events, two crew members died under mysterious circumstances, prompting significant scrutiny into the practices and conditions aboard such vessels. Notably, a confidential Customs document from September 5, 2012, identified Salas on the Immigration Alerts list, raising questions about his status in connection with the incidents aboard the bulk carrier. This document surfaced mere days after Cesar Llanto, a cook on the 'Sage Sagittarius', vanished while the ship was nearing Australian waters, and shortly before chief engineer Hector Collado suffered a fatal fall aboard the vessel. The ongoing coronial inquest into the two fatalities is taking place in Sydney, resurrecting memories of the harrowing occurrences that transpired six years prior. During this period, Llanto was among three men who lost their lives within six weeks – the third being Kosaku Monji, a Japanese superintendent who tragically died after being crushed by machinery at a subsequent port in Japan. Testimonies during the inquest shed light on Salas's controversial conduct, including alleged bullying and the sale of firearms to crew members. Reports indicate that Salas claimed to have acted like a big brother to fellow crew member Jessie Martinez, yet allegations surfaced regarding his treatment of Martinez, including an incident that left him gasping for breath. Furthermore, Salas was found to have been proactive in concealing the presence of weapons, reportedly collecting gun brochures and permits from the crew before docking in Newcastle to evade the Australian Federal Police's scrutiny. The inquiry revealed layers of complexity regarding Llanto’s fate, suggesting that he may have intended to report Salas to the International Transport Workers’ Federation upon arrival in Australia. The day of his disappearance, Salas allegedly ordered Martinez to erase a complaint from Llanto's computer, possibly preventing the ship's detention in port. Salas has denied any involvement in Llanto's disappearance, even suggesting the possibility of foul play. As the investigation unfolds, the return of Venancio Salas Jr. continues to cast a long shadow over the maritime industry and the legacy of the 'Sage Sagittarius'.