Maritime Union of Australia lashes out at Greek ship ‘riddled with deficiencies’
The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) has hit out at a Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier for its deplorable conditions onboard. The San Nikolas (28,322 dwt; built 1996), managed by Greece’s Athenian Shipping according to Equasis, is “riddled with deficiencies” the MUA said.
The ship was found in Newcastle yesterday with insufficient food and no potable water. This comes after the Australian Maritime Safety Authority slapped the ship with a host of deficiencies in Brisbane last week before the ship was inspected in Newcastle. It is currently en route to Port Kembla.
Maritime Union of Australia Newcastle Branch Secretary Glen Williams inspected the ship and said he had grave concerns for the ongoing welfare of the Filipino crew.
His inspection found there was no fresh fruit and that there was only one medium sized pot of soup on the stove for dinner for the 24 crewmembers.
He said the crew was being rationed water and if they required more they had to pay. In addition, Williams discovered the ship’s payroll that shows chronic underpayment of wages.
