Human Rights at Sea informed about the death of a young seafarer onboard a Cook Islands flagged vessel, off the UAE coast. The seafarer is believed to have committed suicide.
The general alarm was raised by the Master after fellow crew members could not find the seafarer and the crew conducted a full vessel search. The deceased was found hanging in the boiler room. The Master checked for a pulse, but did not find one.
Human Rights at Sea was first alerted on 30 January by a senior crew member requesting assistance, as access to port state services through the local agent had not been made available in the Khor Fakkan Anch anchorage. Similar requests were made to other authorities.
The crew reported that the deceased had been on the vessel for 13 months and that in their view, the vessel is not seaworthy. Additionally, it is reported that the vessel is low on fuel oil with only emergency levels now available.
The crew alerted the Indian Embassy, Director General Shipping India, ISWAN and ITF.
Human Rights at Sea alerted the Mission to Seafarers in both London, and Dubai at the office of the Reverend Andy Bowerman, as well as ISWAN’s representative in India, Chirag Bahri, passing on all available case details.
The charity had positive engagement with the UAE Maritime Administration through Captain Abdulla Al-Hayyas, seeking clarity as to the level of available support for the vessel and its crew by UAE authorities.
Owners, Global Tankers Pvt Ltd responded to a telephone call and email correspondence from HRAS. They informed the charity in writing that the vessel sailed on 26 January from Sharjah (UAE) heading for Port Alang having been sold for demolition to Mssrs Al Garhoud General Trading LLC (Dubai) on 6 January 2021.
The owners alleged that the UAE port authorities initially refused vessel access and disembarkment of the deceased’s body for repatriation, stating that authorities had declined to support the request.
Further, HRAS enquiries with the UAE authorities has had reported to the charity on 30 January, confirmation that the Public Prosecutor boarded the vessel on 31 January to conduct an investigation, and prepare for repatriation of the deceased. This follows a formal request from the Indian Consulate General in Dubai earlier today.
At the time of writing, the reason for the suicide are under investigation.
