MV Jireh – a former Norwegian fjord ferry – anchored off Jersey and Guernsey before travelling to the south coast of England and being towed into Portland Port after suffering a power failure.
The ship was detained by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency the following day after failing to meet merchant shipping regulations and having inadequate living standards on-board.
The Sailors’ Society, along with the Stella Maris chaplaincy team, are now helping the nine crew, who say they have not been paid for months. The desperate plight of the Russians first became apparent when they were sent supplies by the Red Cross and the Co-op while their ferry was anchored off Guernsey for 11 days.
Sandra Welch, Sailors’ Society chief operating officer, said the men wanted to be repatriated.
‘They haven’t got any money, so we’ve given them food, a phone and Wi-Fi. It’s the only way they’ve been able to make contact with the outside world and let their families know they’re OK.
‘They’re safe and comfortable, but they’re anxious and desperate to be paid so that they can return home, so we’re hoping this can be resolved in the next few days,’ she said.
Ms Welch claimed that the situation faced by the Jireh’s crew was not uncommon, and that the charity was often called upon to help crews who found themselves stranded thousands of miles from home.
‘Seafarers are often out of sight at sea or in ports, but we depend on them for almost everything we use and buy – most of our Black Friday goods and Christmas gifts would have been transported by sea,’ she said.
The ferry was being transported to Senegal after being bought by Nigeria-based Herald Marine and Energy Ltd earlier this year when it first appeared in Channel Island waters. Little is known about the company, and attempts by the JEP to contact the firm have failed. The company’s website also appears to have been hacked.
It is unclear how long the ship will remain in Portland, but it will not be allowed to leave until it is fully compliant with maritime regulations.
