What Crew Members Say About Prima-Sentosa

In a heartwarming conclusion to a challenging saga, the crew of the 'Evangelia M' has finally returned to their home country, the Philippines, at the end of 2018. These 21 Filipino seafarers faced a harrowing six-month ordeal at the Port of Kakinada after being abandoned by their ship's owner, Sea Majesty Incorporated, based in Liberia, and their management firm, Athenian Ship Management from Greece. During their abandonment, the crew suffered from unpaid wages and lack of essential supplies, including food, fuel, and first aid. Grateful for the support they received, the Captain and crew expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Capt. Shailesh Tiwari, Mr. N. Reuben Paul, and the dedicated teams from Sea Mission International, the Centre for Seafarers and Maritime Workers Union (a member of ISWAN, UK), FSUI, and the Port Welfare Committee of Andhra Pradesh, along with the Philippine Embassy, for their tireless efforts in ensuring their welfare. Capt. Shailesh Tiwari, who serves as a Legal Expert for the Indian Seafarers Welfare Board (ISWB), along with Mr. Reuben Paul, provided crucial assistance regarding the crew's legal rights and welfare concerns. With the help of the Philippine Manning Agency, EVIC Human Resources, basic provisions, fresh water, and fuel were supplied to the vessel during its blackout period at Kakinada. The ISWB also facilitated the crew's legal case in the Hyderabad High Court to secure their overdue wages and ensure their safe repatriation. This successful resolution stands as a testament to the importance of coordinated efforts in maritime welfare.

A recent preliminary report from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau has shed light on a serious incident that occurred on March 1, 2014, involving the lifeboat of the MV Aquarosa. While en route to Kwinana, one of the ship's engineers found himself in a precarious situation when the lifeboat was inadvertently launched during a routine inspection. The engineer, who had identified a potential issue with the lifeboat’s hydraulic release system in Singapore, was evaluating the equipment when a mishap caused the lifeboat to descend unexpectedly. This unintended freefall sent the engineer into the waters off Western Australia, where he spent nearly five hours in the lifeboat before being rescued. Initial assessments indicated that the hydraulic release system, which had prompted him to top up the oil levels shortly before the incident, may have been incorrectly reset, leading to the unexpected launch. To prevent future occurrences, the ship has since implemented new safety measures, including the installation of a safety pin in the release hook that can be utilized during inspections and maintenance. As the lifeboat began to slide down the launching rails, the engineer quickly understood he was trapped and took a seat, struggling to strap himself in. Despite alarms being triggered aboard the MV Aquarosa, it took a considerable amount of time—over five hours—for crew members to return the lifeboat to the ship's stern due to challenging conditions, including a 1.5-meter swell. Attempts to secure the vessel were complicated when safety lines got caught in the propeller, and a pilot ladder was deployed, but due to his injuries, the engineer found it impossible to use. Ultimately, a gangway was lowered, enabling the injured engineer to be assisted back on board, where he subsequently received treatment for a fractured kneecap onshore. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks involved in maritime operations and the critical importance of stringent safety protocols.

In a notable maritime transaction, a vessel has been sold to a Greek buyer for an impressive sum of $21 million. This acquisition marks another significant development in the shipping industry, showcasing the continued demand from Greek investors in maritime assets. Further details on the vessel and its specifications are yet to be disclosed, but this purchase underscores the strategic investments being made in maritime commerce.