The government has announced that four Kenyan seafarers who were abandoned in Oman, Western Asia, by a Somali flagged vessel, FV SAHRLA, have returned to the country.
In a statement on Thursday, July 1, 2024, Principal Secretary (PS) for Shipping and Maritime Affairs, Geoffrey Kaituko confirmed the return of the four Kenyan seafarers who were left stranded at Port Duqm, by the ship owner in March, after it encountered mechanical problems.
Reports indicate that the fishing vessel owned and managed by TG Blue Treasure Seafood Inc, based in Bossaso Port ship, was taken to a dry dock for repair, but its owner failed to pay the charges and other related port fees.
“I am happy to announce that, the Four Kenyan Seafarers who were abandoned in Oman, by a Somali flagged vessel (FV SAHRLA) are safely back home,” PS Kaituko said.
PS Kaituko highlighted that having ratified the Maritime Labour Convention of 2006, the government has a responsibility of protecting all seafarers and providing maximum protection to its own sea farers.
Govt Confirms Safe Return of Kenyan Seafarers
The PS further lauded the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) for their role in the safe return of the four- crew members.
“I therefore, thank my colleagues, PS Foreign Affairs, Dr Korir Sing’Oei and PS Diaspora Affairs, Roseline Njogu, for their immense support in repatriating the four seamen,” he said.
“Others are, Margaret Mwirigi (Charge D’Affairs in Oman), Atie Swaleh Ramadhan (SG Seafarers Union of Kenya) , Mwinyi Jahazi(Chair Maritime Labour Board), Andrew Mwangura and their respective families.”
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At the same time, PS Kaituko promised to ensure that the rogue owner of the shipping vessel is held accountable, with the help of Somali counterparts.
The safe return of the four Kenyans comes more than a week after the Kenyan Seafarers Union called on the Government to urgently assist them.
The union’s secretary general Atie Swaleh lamented that those who were abandoned in Oman have been stranded without pay or means of sustenance.
Further, the union called for diplomatic intervention to ensure the safe return of the four men to Kenya, where their families await their safe arrival.
“We urge the Kenyan government to prioritize the welfare of our stranded seafarers in Oman,” Atie stated.
Union Issues Demands
Atie while urging swift action to address the humanitarian crisis faced by the affected seafarers said that the men are demanding to be paid their seven months’ salary and be repatriated with free passage home.
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According to the Secretary General, the seafarers only received payment for the first eight months of their service and have since been left without wages or means of sustenance.
The ship’s owner, identified as a Somali national and American citizen, allegedly could not afford the dry dock charges, leaving the crew in dire condition with dwindling food supplies and no financial resources to return home.
Seafarers, also known as mariners or sailors, are people who work on ships that operate on large bodies of water, such as oceans, seas and lakes.
These individuals serve on various types of vessels including cargo ships, ferries, tankers and fishing boats focusing on the ship’s navigation, maintenance and overall operation.
Seafarers contribute to many major components of the global economy by ensuring the smooth functioning of international trade, transportation and maritime activities.
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