The Serena: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On April 15, 2024, the cargo ship 'Serena' was detained in Ferrol, Spain, following the discovery of 31 deficiencies during an inspection. Among these issues, eight were deemed serious enough to warrant the vessel's detention. The deficiencies included critical failures such as inoperative launching arrangements for the rescue boats and inflatable liferafts that were not ready for use, raising significant safety concerns. Additionally, the ship reported problems with anchoring devices, fire dampers, and the main propulsion engine not meeting operational requirements. Auxiliary machinery was also found to have insufficient power, while the emergency fire pump and its associated pipes were inoperative. Furthermore, the ISM (International Safety Management) certificate was found not to comply with required standards. After undergoing necessary checks and corrections, the 'Serena' was released on May 8, 2024, and was granted permission for a single voyage to Tuzla, Turkey, for permanent repairs.

In a promising development for the crew of the Liberian-flagged tanker Leon, situated off the coast of Hull since April 20th, the Russian and Ukrainian sailors have finally been compensated for their unpaid wages and provided with essential food supplies. This breakthrough came on Wednesday, thanks to the significant intervention of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). The crew had previously refused to set sail until the Greek owners, Roswell Tankers Corp from Athens, settled all outstanding payments dating back to January and ensured the vessel was stocked with adequate provisions. According to ITF and Nautilus Inspector Tommy Molloy, the situation had become quite dire, with the crew lacking fresh food options—including fruits, vegetables, and meats—for weeks. "They had no choice but to reach out for our assistance to resolve these critical issues,” Molloy remarked. This week, Molloy was onboard to supervise the delivery of fresh supplies via tugboat and confirm that the crew's wages were finally received. Initially, eleven crew members had requested repatriation back to their respective homes from Hull. However, following the successful resolution of these pressing matters, six crew members decided to remain aboard the Leon for its upcoming journey, which is expected to head towards Kaliningrad, Russia.

The crew aboard the MV Leon, anchored off the coast of Hull, has taken a resolute stand against their ship operator, Roswell Tankers Corp, over unpaid wages and severe food shortages. The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) was called in to assist on April 29, 2012, as the situation escalated. While the vessel was docked, the captain received orders from the Athens-based company to move to anchor, preventing ITF inspectors from reaching the crew in time. The distress signals from the crew raised alarms, revealing that they had not been paid since January and were subsisting on minimal food supplies. With only a few baking essentials and some canned fish, the crew highlighted the lack of fresh provisions, including fruits, vegetables, and proteins, with the last fresh food being a few lemons and chilies. The situation was exacerbated by concerns regarding the ship’s fresh water tanks, which had been documented in poor condition by the crew before they were replenished in a prior port. Notably, the ship had run out of bottled water. The crew reported accumulating wage debts amounting to over USD 58,000, collectively owed to eleven of the fifteen crew members who were seeking assistance and repatriation from Hull. Since the onset of this troubling situation, crew members have received only USD 50 cash each, insufficient for their needs. One individual has been experiencing persistent stomach pains but has not been repatriated despite requests. Despite pressures from Roswell Tankers to resume sailing, the eleven crew members remain steadfast in their refusal to set sail until their demands for wages and adequate provisions are met. The company claimed to be making arrangements for payment to the crew's bank accounts and assured them of food availability at the next port. However, neither the crew nor the ITF have confirmed these claims, leading to a prevailing skepticism among the crew, who stand united in their decision not to continue sailing under the current circumstances.