THE plight of a Filipino crew from a bulk carrier denied shore leave and whose contracts had been extended, has finally ended, following intervention by global ship visiting network Stella Maris, reports Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide.
The ship arrived at Tees Dock in Northeast England on August with 22 crew. On August 15, two Stella Maris' ship visitors conducted a routine visit, taking with them welcome packs and bags of clothing for the crew.
'The ship visitors found out that some of the crew had not been allowed shore leave for up to 10 months. Their contracts had also been extended for 10 months,' said Catholic deacon Peter Barrigan, the Stella Maris Tees, Hartlepool and Seaham regional chaplain.
This was putting huge mental and physical strain on the seafarers. One of them said that during the voyage to Teesport from the United States, he was only getting two hours sleep a day because he was so stressed and overworked.
Communication with family back home was also limited. There was internet onboard, but it wasn't very good, the seafarer had said. He was also concerned that the crew were no longer able to operate the vessel safely as they were exhausted.
Known as Stella Maris (Star of the Sea). it was founded in Glasgow in the early 20th century to provide pastoral care to seafarers through chaplaincies worldwide.
SeaNews Turkey
The ship arrived at Tees Dock in Northeast England on August with 22 crew. On August 15, two Stella Maris' ship visitors conducted a routine visit, taking with them welcome packs and bags of clothing for the crew.
'The ship visitors found out that some of the crew had not been allowed shore leave for up to 10 months. Their contracts had also been extended for 10 months,' said Catholic deacon Peter Barrigan, the Stella Maris Tees, Hartlepool and Seaham regional chaplain.
This was putting huge mental and physical strain on the seafarers. One of them said that during the voyage to Teesport from the United States, he was only getting two hours sleep a day because he was so stressed and overworked.
Communication with family back home was also limited. There was internet onboard, but it wasn't very good, the seafarer had said. He was also concerned that the crew were no longer able to operate the vessel safely as they were exhausted.
Known as Stella Maris (Star of the Sea). it was founded in Glasgow in the early 20th century to provide pastoral care to seafarers through chaplaincies worldwide.
SeaNews Turkey
