abandoned ShipS unfortunately, from time to time ships and seafarers are abandoned in danish ports. there are several reasons for this, but it is often due to financial and safety problems. When a ship is detained, it is of course an unpleasant experience for the crew, who do not always know when they can leave the ship, or when the ship will be released Earlier this year, The Danish Government’s Seamen’s Service (HFV) again experienced one of these unfortunate events, when the coaster the ”Cormorant” was detained in Frederiksværk with a crew of three. The owner and captain had left the ship in December and abandoned the crew, who, among other things, had not been paid for several months and were also suffering from very bad conditions on board. As soon as the Seamen’s Service learnt of this situation, action was taken. The crew – two Ghanaians and a Ukrainian – were visited twice a week. We helped out with supplies, heating, news, books and movies, and the visit itself was of great benefit. Simultaneously, the ITF’s Danish inspector strove to solve the issue of outstanding wages. collectioN at daNsteel Since Denmark ratified ILO Convention no. 163 in 1993, we have had an obligation towards seafarers visiting Danish ports. In practice we share this task with the port authorities and individual port services. Most cases run quite smoothly and are pleasant tasks. In the case of the Cormorant, which was, unfortunately, not an isolated incident, our focus was obviously on the 040° HOriSOnt crew’s welfare. The fact they lived on the ship was beneath contempt and their situation unacceptable. Unfortunately, we also had to acknowledge that the Danish authorities were not properly equipped for this task. Definitely a difficult task, but these were people who were left in a very unfortunate situation. Fortunately a solution was found, not least with help of the Welfare Office, and the by Søren Philip Sørensen, HFV Filipino crewmembers onboard abandoned ship in Assens/Denmark. three seamen were able to leave Denmark in February. At that time the ship was confiscated, so they could finally leave their involuntary detention. As I write, the ship has not yet been sold, so they have still not received their outstanding wages. There were however some positive experiences. Several citizens of Frederiksværk visited the seamen with everyday necessities and DanSteel launched a collection for the three seamen. It was a nice gesture and gave the seamen some much needed funds. We hope of course that it’s a long time before we again find ourselves in a similar situation. At the same time, we should be glad that Danish owners do not put their employees in similar situations.
Pictures for the Photocontest for seafarers must be mailed within 31. December <strong>2010</strong> to: info@hfv.dk Photo: Ab Elisa Pikhala, Finland HOriSOnt 041°
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