The International Transport Federation (ITF) Australia is taking steps to address the conditions aboard the Panamanian flagged bulk carrier MV Seastar Endurance now at Port Kembla, south of Sydney.
ITF Australian Co-ordinator Matt Purcell said the crew were living in difficult conditions forced to sleep on the deck because the ship’s air-conditioning system had broken down and the vessel was infested with cockroaches.
“This is no way to treat seafarers and we have contacted the owners, Norbulk Shipping UK Pty Ltd and told them the ship’s air-conditioning must be repaired and the cockroach infestation treated by pest controllers before it leaves Port Kembla,” Mr Purcell said.
The vessel is carrying a crew of 18, comprising 12 Filipinos, and six Russians and arrived in Port Kembla from Indonesia via Singapore on October 24.
“We understand the temperature in the engine room was in excess of 40 degrees during the voyage from Indonesia and even hotter in the cabins which meant the crew were forced to sleep on deck to cope with the searing heat,” he said.
“We are seeking assurances from the owners that this vessel will be repaired and made safe for the crew before it leaves Port Kembla.”
“The cockroach infestation should be properly treated and we are calling on authorities and the owners to remove the crew while that takes place.”
“No seafarers should be forced to endure conditions like this and the ITF in Australia will take action to alert authorities and place pressure on owners to rectify poor living conditions aboard any ship coming into Australian waters.”
Media comment Matt Purcell 0418 387 966
