Reviews & Ratings for the Marla-Orca

On November 21, 2024, the cargo vessel 'Marla Orca' faced navigational challenges while anchored off the coast of Kartal. High southwest winds caused the ship to drift, resulting in a collision with the Cameroon-flagged vessel 'DSK1', which was also anchored in the same vicinity. The allision between the two ships caused significant damage as they scraped against each other. At the time of the incident, the 'Marla Orca' was located at coordinates 40° 52' N, 29° 11' E, with the 'DSK1' positioned at the same coordinates. For additional coverage, including images and videos of the incident, please visit the following links: [AA News](https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/gundem/istanbulda-demirli-2-gemi-lodosun-etkisiyle-birbirine-surttu/3400013) and [GZT](https://www.gzt.com/video/jurnalist/kartal-aciklarinda-iki-gemi-birbirine-surttu-2250241).

The cargo vessel 'VSG Dream' was detained at Nakhodka port in Primorye on February 17, 2023. This decision was prompted by dismal technical conditions aboard the ship, insufficient wages for its 19 crew members, and significant breaches of their rights as seafarers. Arriving in Nakhodka with a shipment of rice, the vessel will remain in port until all noted violations are rectified. The crew comprises ten Vietnamese and nine Indian seafarers, none of whom have a collective agreement established with the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF). Salaries for the crew highlight a stark disparity—1st class Vietnamese sailors earn $1,150, while their Indian counterparts make between $200 and $300 per month. Alarmingly, many Vietnamese seafarers lack properly drafted individual contracts, which fail to specify wage amounts or insurance payouts in the event of a seafarer's death. Interestingly, the crew had little awareness of the seafarers' union and the ITF, as well as the concept of 'convenient' flags and their implications for shipowners. Further complicating matters was the language barrier, as the Vietnamese and Indian sailors faced communication challenges due to their different languages. Upon inspecting the vessel's technical condition, the Nakhodka port control inspector uncovered numerous violations, leading to the decision to detain the 'VSG Dream' until all deficiencies were corrected. The trade union alerted the port inspector to significant infractions by the shipowner, particularly under the Consolidated Convention of 2006 regarding wage issues and the improper formulation of individual contracts. Union representatives also took the opportunity to inform the crew about the ITF and its role in protecting seafarers' rights.

On the evening of February 23, 2018, a maritime incident unfolded in the waters between the Bisan Seto Passage and Uko West Passage, where the cargo ship 'TY Gloria' collided with the 'VSG Dream' at precisely 8:28 p.m. The impact resulted in noticeable damage to the starboard side gangway of the 'TY Gloria'. At the time of the incident, both vessels were docked in Takamatsu Port, raising concerns about navigation safety in this busy maritime route.