Indian Crew on Star Apollo Faces Wage Crisis
An all-Indian crew aboard the St. Kitts & Nevis-flagged offshore support vessel Star Apollo is grappling with a severe wage crisis, having not received their salaries since the beginning of their contracts. The situation has escalated to a health concern for the crew, as they endure mounting stress and frustration. The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) is stepping in to support the crew, who are collectively owed nearly $80,000 in unpaid wages.
Unpaid Wages and Health Concerns
The Star Apollo, a vessel built in 2012, is currently docked at Batamec Shipyard in Indonesia. According to Steve Trowsdale, the inspectorate coordinator for the ITF, the 15-member crew has been without pay for contracts ranging from four to eight months. This alarming situation has led to significant distress among the crew members, impacting their physical and mental well-being. Trowsdale emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating, “The crew are extremely frustrated, and the stress of not being paid is taking a toll on their health.”
ITF Inspector Mohammad Gulam Ansari, who is based in India and assisting the crew, condemned the actions of the shipowner, Vindhyawashini Offshore. He described the treatment of the seafarers as exploitative, likening it to slavery. “This is an Indian shipowner exploiting Indian seafarers, treating them like slaves,” Ansari remarked, highlighting the broader issue of accountability among shipowners.
In a desperate plea for help, the crew has resorted to displaying signs that articulate their grievances. Messages include threats from the company regarding their certificates of competency and calls for assistance from the ITF and the flag state. The crew’s situation has drawn attention on social media, with the ITF sharing their plight and calling for immediate action to recover their wages.
Call for Action and Accountability
The plight of the Star Apollo crew underscores a troubling trend in the maritime industry, where seafarers often face exploitation and neglect. The vessel’s owner, Vindhyawashini Offshore, along with the RPSL agent Avvic Ocean and sourcing agent Great India Shipmanagement, have been named in the crew’s protests. The ITF is actively working to address the situation and recover the owed wages, emphasizing that such treatment of seafarers is unacceptable.
As the crew continues to endure this challenging situation, the ITF is urging maritime authorities and stakeholders to take swift action. The organization is committed to ensuring that the rights of seafarers are upheld and that they receive the compensation they are owed. The ongoing support from the ITF highlights the importance of solidarity in the face of exploitation, as the crew of the Star Apollo seeks justice and resolution to their dire circumstances.
