Mahima
Three crew members of the cargo vessel ‘Ever Given’ which blocked global shipping in Suez Canal in the previous month are allowed to return to their homes as their contracts lapse.
The Ever Given has been anchored in a lake between two sections of the canal since its dislodgement.
The cargo vessel is caught in a legal dispute of $916 compensation claim made by the Suez Canal Authority against ship’s Japanese owner.
The CEO of Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM), Ian Beveridge, stated, “Our utmost priority remains the safety and wellbeing of our crew. We are in regular contact with them and their families, offering all necessary support”.
He added, “While we are hoping that the vessel and her crew will be able to resume the voyage as soon as possible, we are incredibly proud of our master and crew who have and continue to perform their duties to the highest standards with exceptional professionalism under difficult circumstances”.
Two other crew members also left the ship citing urgent personal circumstances as reported by the SCA.
Currently, there are 25 Indian crew members abroad the vessel and they are safe and in good health.
Day-to-day operations onboard the vessel continue along with the seafarers conducting routine fire and safety drills.
BSM further added, “When the vessel went ground all crew onboard are within the terms of their contracts. However, delays in allowing the vessel to depart mean that three crew members are now due to be relieved. Requests to allow the overdue crew to depart have been granted by the Suez Canal Authority (SCA). Minimum safe manning standards for the vessel will be maintained at all times and how crew members depart the vessel are being relieved”.