What Crew Members Say About Rix-Star

On the evening of October 3, 2016, the cargo vessel 'Rix Star' encountered significant engine troubles while navigating the Baltic Sea, just northwest of Baltiysk. The ship, which was on a route from Tallinn to Kaliningrad, found itself in a precarious situation as stormy weather exacerbated its condition, prompting it to drift perilously close to the Hela Peninsula. After unsuccessful attempts to restart the engine, the crew made a distress call for assistance. In response, the Malta-flagged salvage tug 'Agat' (IMO: 8206961) was dispatched from Gdynia. By the afternoon of October 4, 'Agat' successfully took the 'Rix Star' in tow, with the two vessels making their way towards Gdansk at a cautious speed of around five knots. The convoy is expected to reach Gdansk by midnight on October 5.

The crew members aboard the MV Short Sea have found themselves trapped on the detached mole in Gibraltar since May 5, 2013, as their owners grapple with insolvency issues. This vessel is one of three ships affected by the financial troubles of the German firm, Seavoss Schiffahrt GmbH & Co, with another vessel currently stranded in Morocco. These seafarers have not received payment since February, and some, including one crew member, have been without financial support since December of the previous year. Attempts to contact Seavoss Schiffahrt GmbH & Co for clarification have been met with silence, as emails, phone calls, and inquiries go unanswered. The plight of the seven crew members on the MV Short Sea has been exacerbated by the expiration of their vessel and crew insurance just a month ago, leaving them vulnerable. Concerns grew among the captains when one ship endured a harrowing nine days without access to fresh water and several days without food. Thankfully, assistance arrived through local agent Tarik Shipping Agency and Bunkering, who provided essential supplies. To reach the shore, crew members have been using a rescue boat, gaining access to critical necessities that Tarik Shipping is unable to deliver. However, their financial difficulties make it harder for families back home to acquire basic provisions. Although all crew members can disembark in Gibraltar, not all possess the necessary travel documentation to enter Spain. In June, all communication with the vessels was cut off due to outstanding unpaid bills, leaving the crew with no internet or phone access. Many have completed their contracts yet remain on board, unable to leave due to the lack of wages and unresolved repatriation matters. In total, some crew members have spent between nine and fourteen months aboard the vessel, with no opportunity to return home or reunite with their families. Efforts continue with numerous emails sent to the company, liquidator, and bank, raising concerns about insurance, water supply, basic provisions, and unpaid wages. The situation remains dire as these dedicated professionals await resolution of their unfortunate predicament.