In the post on LinkedIn Coles stated that what he was posting was a direct quote from an email from a Master and that this was a mental health and safety issue at sea.
The Master said that he and his crew due for sign off were, “in a state of mental turmoil due to indefinite delay in our relief on account of the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic restrictions”.
“Everyone is eagerly looking for sign off at the earliest even if we require to divert the ship and not willing to sign any extension of contract.”
The inability to be with family during in these difficult times was highlighted. “I am personally very much disturbed for not being able to support my family during this hour of need.”
The Master called on the authorities in India to try and find a solution to the crew change crisis.
Meanwhile Coles asked when the authorities were going to take notice and who was prepared to help the crew at sea.
Last week the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) wrote an open letter to four United Nations (UN) bodies calling on crew changes to be facilitated and seafarers to recognised as “key workers”.
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