Asia/Pacific News
Bankrupt Owner's Cargo Vessel Detained, 23 Crew Stranded Over Unpaid Bunker Bills
23 Chinese crew members have been stranded onboard the cargo ship Union Demeter in Haldia Port since the vessel was detained in December in response to the ship owner's outstanding bunker bills, Indian media reports.
A Bombay court is reported to have ordered the Union Demeter's detention that same month as the vessel owner, Nanjing-based Tranvast Holdings Limited (Tranvast), declared bankruptcy.
"If there is no other company to take over the cargo ship, the Indian government will not release the crew," the ship's captain Dai Xiaosong told Chinese media.
Dai says the crew have not been paid in five months, have run out of food and water, and are "suffering."
Han Lei, Manager of the Nanjing Yuanteng Shipping Company (Yuanteng), the crew members' employer, says that the company has requested that applicable Indian agencies supply necessities to the crew.
Han also says the ship owner has refused contact with Yuanteng in order to discuss the matter.
