Working Conditions Aboard the Malak

On September 8, 2020, the crew aboard the 'Tomini Majesty' initiated a hunger strike in a desperate bid for repatriation. Composed of 21 Ukrainian sailors, the crew has endured over 12 months without a way home. Their protest was sparked by ongoing frustrations, leading to a blockade in the engine room to halt dock workers' repair efforts, aiming to draw attention from the shipowner. The crew recounted that in March 2020, the vessel's previous owner had the chance to send the sailors home but opted against it, citing pandemic-related costs for crew replacement. The situation took another turn in mid-July 2020 when the ship was sold to Tomini Shipping, with the entire crew included in the sale. Since then, 'Tomini Majesty' has been docked at Huafeng in Zhoushan province. Although the new owner assured the crew that a change would be made within a month, either through crew replacement or completing vessel repairs, nearly two months later, the ship remains in Zhoushan, leaving the sailors' hopes for repatriation unfulfilled.

In a recent transaction, a vessel has been sold for an impressive $7 million. The identity of the buyers remains undisclosed, adding an air of mystery to this maritime deal. As the shipping industry continues to evolve, such acquisitions highlight the ongoing demand for vessels. Stay tuned for more updates on this development and its implications in the maritime market.