Working Conditions Aboard the White-Labeille

In a renewed effort, Cape Verde is set to auction off the 'Eser,' a vessel that made headlines in 2019 for carrying over 9.5 tons of cocaine hidden in 260 bales. After a previous attempt to sell the ship to Cape Verdean US émigré Romão Barros fell through, officials are looking to regain momentum with a fresh public tender. The Ministry of Finance, through the General Directorate of Patrimony and Public Procurement (DGPCP), has established a starting bid of €635,000 for this new sale. The earlier tender, held on January 5, 2021, ended in disappointment when the winning bidder failed to meet their legal obligations, rendering the contest null and void as stated in a notification dated September 15, 2021. For the upcoming auction, bids will be opened at 10:00 a.m. on October 1, at the Ministry of Finance headquarters in Praia. Since its seizure on January 31, 2019, the 'Eser' has remained docked at Praia port. The case surrounding the ship includes significant court proceedings; on February 20, 2020, a local court sentenced 11 Russian crew members, with terms of 12 and 10 years in prison, following what has been classified as Cape Verde's largest cocaine bust. Participants must adhere to strict payment guidelines following the bidding process. Within 24 hours of winning, the successful bidder is required to transfer 25% of the total bid amount. The remaining 75% must be paid within ten days to secure the purchase, ensuring the tender conditions are met.

The crew members of the 'Eser,' a vessel flagged to Russia, are currently facing detention in Praia, Cape Verde, following the discovery of a staggering 9.5 tons of cocaine on board. After the findings, all crew members were held on suspicion related to drug trafficking, but recent developments have alleviated fears regarding any additional criminal involvement. In a heartbreaking turn of events, one crew member succumbed to septic shock and significant bleeding caused by an infection. This tragic incident occurred on the evening of January 22, 2019. In response, the Eser cut its voyage short and navigated to Cape Verde for the formalities required to disembark the deceased. The vessel has been docked in Praia since January 31, after departing from Colón on January 4.

In a significant maritime enforcement action, the freighter 'Eser' was apprehended in Praia, Cape Verde, on January 31, 2019, amid allegations of drug trafficking. Authorities discovered a staggering 9.5 tons of cocaine concealed aboard the vessel, prompting the arrest of all 11 Russian crew members. The 'Eser' had embarked on its journey from Colon on January 4, setting course for Tangier when an emergency stop in Praia became necessary due to an onboard medical emergency that resulted in the untimely death of a crew member, the circumstances of which remain unclear. Local law enforcement officials had already been alerted about potential smuggling activities before the freighter's arrival, leading to a proactive response upon docking.