Relief and remuneration for hapless Munzur crew

“While that money is transferred they have demonstrated good faith by putting food on board, along with two much-needed washing machines,” said ITF inspector Darren Procter. “If all that is owed is paid to the crew we will cease the arrest of the vessel. If the crew don’t get what they deserve we resume that arrest.

The Turkish-owned, Panama-flagged vessel was originally detained by the UK Coastguard for some 14 infractions. These included unsafe or inoperable electrical devices, missing fire alarms, lack of training, lack of navigational charts and an inoperative GNSS navigation system.

It was subsequently discovered that crew members were being paid below the International Labour Organisation (ILO) minimum wage, with one earning as little as $400 per month.

In a statement, the ITF indicated that the shipowner is expected to sign an ITF agreement to provide adequate pay and suitable conditions for the seafarers working on Munzur.