Human Rights at Sea and the Dominica Maritime Administration join forces for the crew of MV Gulf Sky

Press Release 

Monday 22 June 2020

London. UK.  Human Rights at Sea is pleased to announce that it has partnered with the Commonwealth of Dominica Maritime Administration to work towards resolving the ongoing case of the MV Gulf Sky, registered under the Dominica Registry, anchored off Port Khor Fakkan Anch, UAE with 22 Indian seafarers on board.

The Case of the MV Gulf Sky was highlighted first by Human Rights at Sea in May when the charity produced a Case Study reporting on the situation on board on the MV Gulf Sky (IMO 150377) flying the flag of the Commonwealth of Dominica .

The Master, who on behalf of the crew, appealed to Human Rights at Sea in May 2020 raised serious concerns about the welfare of the seafarers and the financial hardships that they are subject to given the three months delay in their wages, as well as their living conditions onboard including periodic re-supply of essential victuals.The crew has been onboard the vessel since October 2019 with some joining in subsequent months.

The Dominica Maritime Administration initiated the necessary proceedings and referred the case to mediation but the managers have failed to resolve the case, pay the salaries of the seafarers and sign them off.

The Dominica Maritime Administration which is committed to the welfare of seafarers and which has the seafarers as its core value has committed to take further action. The flag State and Human Rights at Sea will work as a collective to apply pressure to resolve the case and stand by the seafarers during these difficult times.

Comments

Elizabeth Mavropoulou, Trustee and Programme Manager of Human Rights at Sea commented:

“This is the first partnership of Human Rights at Sea with a flag State Registry to help seafarers get their wages and repatriate. The  Commonwealth of Dominica Maritime Administration has actively sought the engagement of Human Rights at Sea to resolve the case. This is an exemplary example of proactivity and commitment to the human rights of the seafarers coming from flag State Registry. We are determined to help resolve the case and we hope that this is only the first of the projects with the Dominica Maritime Administration.”

Eric Dawicki, President and CEO of the Commonwealth of Dominica Maritime Registry commented:

“The Dominica Maritime Administration Office of Maritime Affairs and Marine Personnel will, shall, and always put seafarer rights first and foremost as the number one tenet of facilitating commerce.  We will remain steadfast and shall use every legislative and regulatory tool to ensure that the mariners and seafarers of the MV Gulf Sky are repatriated and are made whole.  This is another example of “flag hopping”, a way to evade punitive action and responsible adherence to appropriate international instruments.  We will not walk away from our responsibilities and we will not push our responsibilities to another Administration as in this case. This Administration’s Office of Maritime Affairs and Marine Personnel is proud and pleased to be working with Human Rights at Sea to bring urgent attention to our global partners and allies to help us resolve this case and any other case that puts the lives and welfare of mariners and seafarers at risk.”

 ENDS.