Russian seafarers repatriated after more than a year
The ITF has helped to repatriate eight Russian seafarers who spent more than a year in the Bulgarian port of Burgas after their vessel was detained.
The Panama-flagged Southern Pearl NZ arrived in the Black Sea port for repairs in March 2009. After the owner refused to pay the bill, the ship was detained in July 2009. The crew, who are also owed US$250,000 in wages due for 18 months, had to endure shortages of food and fuel during their time in the port.
Eight of the crew were repatriated home to Vladivostok on 20 July. The ITF is continuing to pursue the back pay owed, and four of the crew and the captain have remained in Burgas to resolve this and maintain the ship.
Source: ITF
