Shadow tanker trapped in Suez standoff
Urgent Plea from Crew of Seized Russian Tanker
The crew of the Dignity, a Russian tanker detained in Egypt, is urgently seeking assistance as they face dire conditions. The vessel was seized five weeks ago by Egyptian authorities due to unpaid Suez Canal transit fees and is currently anchored south of the canal. With the crew lacking pay for over three months and the ship running low on essential supplies, their situation has become increasingly critical.
Desperate Situation for the Crew
The Dignity, affiliated with the Agro Tanker Group, has been under sanctions imposed by the US, UK, and EU, complicating the crew’s ability to receive support. As the ship remains moored, the crew has reached out to the Seafarers’ Union of Russia for help. They report that the vessel is running low on fuel and lubricants, which poses a significant risk of power loss. Without immediate intervention, the crew’s safety and well-being are at stake.
In addition to the challenges of fuel shortages, the crew’s financial situation is dire. They have not received any wages for more than three months, leaving them in a precarious position. The lack of payment and dwindling resources have heightened their sense of urgency as they await assistance. The situation is a stark reminder of the broader implications of sanctions on maritime operations and the human cost involved.
Recent Incidents Highlight Ongoing Issues
This incident is not isolated; it reflects a troubling trend among shadow tankers operating in the Suez Canal. Just last week, another sanctioned Russian vessel, the 21-year-old Komander, encountered engine problems and briefly ran aground near the 48 km mark of the canal. Such occurrences raise concerns about the safety and operational integrity of vessels under sanctions, as they navigate one of the world’s busiest waterways.
The plight of the Dignity crew underscores the urgent need for a resolution to their predicament. As they await assistance, the situation serves as a critical reminder of the complexities surrounding maritime trade, sanctions, and the human element involved in these operations. The international community’s response to such incidents will be closely monitored as the crew continues to seek help.
