Ship to the chain in port of Antwerp: stranded sailors get instantly fresh food (and hugs)

Antwerp In the port of Antwerp is the ‘Basle Express’ to the necklace laid. The ship was aimed, and upon arrival in the port checked. Inspectors observed a thirty violations. “There was mold on the food, and the captain has fled.” Welzijnsmedewerkers have all the fresh food, clothing and cuddly toys brought on board.

The 126-metre-long cargo ship on Basel Express, which is under the Panamanian flag, but an Egyptian owner, is already since last week on the chain to the Zuidnatie in the port of Antwerp. Despite the fact that the ship is due to various defects international aimed at was the from Italy our port.

“The ship had actually never been in Italy may leave”, says Lotte Van der Stockt, spokesperson of Philippe De Backer (Open Vld), the secretary of state for the North sea. “Fortunately, noticed Port State Control, after which immediate action was taken. Meanwhile, different services, such as Saniport of the FPS of public Health and the Immigration Service (sea fisheries department) on the spot gone.”

There is also all the new safety clothing brought on board. One crew member had a small problem: shoe size 45 there was no in between, so we had to take the town for safety shoes to buy

“Distressing”

“I'm on board and can assure you: the situation is dire,” says Marc Of Nuts, inspector of the vakfederatie for seafarers (ITF). “In total, thirty breaches established. In relation to technical defects, but also for hygiene breaches. The food is, for example, corrupted.”

On board are a small twenty crew members. The Syrians, Egyptians, and Indians. Notes: “It seems that these people are not paid. We can not even check: the wage slips are missing. But to go even further: the captain of the ship, a Syrian – is not to be found. He is fled.”