What Crew Members Say About Tomini-Destiny

A group of 10 crew members from the cargo ship 'Tomini Destiny' recently disembarked in Cochin on April 30, 2023, following a prolonged contract period that exceeded two months due to lockdown regulations. On their return, these mariners raised serious allegations against the vessel's owner, claiming that their safety concerns were disregarded. They asserted that they were compelled to conduct cargo discharge operations in Chittagong without the necessary health and safety measures. The crew reported instances of harassment and intimidation from both the ship's owner and charterer. In response, the company has denied these claims. Captain Rajnish Samuel Shah, alongside his fellow crew members, is currently quarantined in a hotel after undergoing medical evaluations. Shah disclosed that over 50 stevedores boarded the vessel and handled the cargo discharge for nearly two weeks while failing to adhere to basic health safety protocols, such as wearing masks and gloves, or undergoing health screenings. According to the crew, they were not supplied with adequate masks or sanitizers, putting their health at risk. When the crew attempted to halt operations due to these concerns, they faced threats of termination from the CEO, which exacerbated the situation. The owners of 'Tomini Destiny' further complicated matters by postponing crew changes and instructing the team to proceed to Durban, a move they argue violates the Maritime Labour Convention of 2006 and their employment contracts. In light of these pressing issues, Shah felt compelled to seek assistance directly from the Indian government.

On April 29, 2020, a group of ten Indian crew members from the cargo ship 'Tomini Destiny' safely disembarked at Kochi port, marking a significant moment in the ongoing maritime efforts to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These crew members had been stranded aboard the vessel, which was the first to dock at Kochi specifically for crew repatriation following the nationwide lockdown that commenced on March 24. Among the disembarked crew were nine officers hailing from North India and one from Kasaragod. The shipping company altered the ship’s course from its original destination in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, after a request was made to Indian authorities to facilitate the crew's return. Despite the absence of a final Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for crew changes at Indian ports, the vessel's operators prioritized the well-being of the seafarers by coordinating closely with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Director General (DG) of Shipping. Authorities in Kochi ensured all necessary health protocols were in place, allowing the crew to undergo medical assessments before being placed in a hotel for a mandatory 14-day quarantine. Following the quarantine period, the crew members will be issued epasses by the DG Shipping to travel to their respective homes by road, with transportation arrangements provided by their shipping firm. This operation highlights the ongoing commitment of Indian authorities to support their maritime workforce during these unprecedented times.

On April 7, a significant agreement was reached between Tomini Shipping and the crew aboard the 'Tomini Destiny,' paving the way for the vessel's approach to the port of Chittagong to discharge its cargo. Under the terms of this agreement, access to the ship will be limited to a select few individuals while it is docked. This resolution followed mediation efforts involving the ship's flag state, the Marshall Islands, and the 32 Indian crew members, facilitating a smoother operational process as the vessel enters port.