The National Union of Seafarers of Peninsular Malaysia (NUSPM) has raised urgent concerns regarding the plight of 12 Vietnamese seafarers stranded on the abandoned product tanker Viet Tin 01 in Malaysian waters. Since mid-March, the vessel’s owners have neglected the ship, leaving the crew without pay or essential supplies. In a desperate plea for help, the seafarers resorted to painting messages such as “Help Us. No Food. No Salary” on the ship’s hull.
The situation escalated when the crew used a communication app to alert the NUSPM about their dire circumstances. Responding to these alarming reports, representatives from both the union and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency boarded the vessel on June 23 to assess the conditions. They found that the crew lacked not only food but also basic necessities; the ship was without fuel or power, rendering it unsafe and creating navigational hazards due to insufficient lighting.
Amid these grim realities, the NUSPM is seeking to contact the vessel’s registered owner and has called upon the Vietnamese government to intervene for the crew’s repatriation. Citing the Maritime Labour Convention, the union argues that Vietnam has a responsibility to ensure the well-being of its citizens, urging action particularly given the challenges posed by the global public health crisis. The union emphasized that without their back pay, the stranded seafarers face difficulties in securing future employment and even lack the means to hire a boat to reach safety.
The Viet Tin 01 has a history of trouble; it was previously cited by Malaysian authorities in December 2019 for anchoring without authorization after drifting into an unsafe area, where only a 61-year-old engineer was present. This vessel has also been linked to suspicious activities, including potential violations of UN sanctions by trading in petroleum products with North Korea.
In light of these ongoing issues, the NUSPM remains committed to advocating for the crew’s rights, ensuring they receive necessary provisions, and facilitating their return home. The severity of their situation underscores broader concerns about the treatment of seafarers worldwide, particularly in scenarios where legal and maritime obligations are compromised.
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