Egypt Launches Urgent Rescue Efforts for 3 Sailors Stranded on Abandoned Ship in Suez

The Egyptian government has launched urgent rescue efforts to save three Egyptian sailors stranded on the abandoned ship M.V. MALAKADO, which is currently located in the outer anchorage area of the Suez Canal. According to Sidi El-Sayed El-Shazly El-Nagar, head of the Egyptian Mariners' Union and representative of the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) in Egypt, the ship's owner abandoned the vessel and its crew four months ago, leaving them without pay or support.

The Egyptian Mariners' Union has been working closely with the Ministry of Transportation's maritime sector to provide support to the stranded sailors. The union has provided logistical support, including food, water, and energy, in coordination with the ITF. The maritime sector, led by Rear Admiral Hussein El-Gaziri, has also been involved in efforts to resolve the crisis, including holding a meeting with the ship's agent to discuss their legal responsibilities towards the crew.

The ship's agent has agreed to provide essential supplies, including food, water, and medical care, as well as energy to power the ship's generators. This comes after the union threatened to take action, including referring the agent to the licensing review committee, if they did not fulfill their obligations. The union is also working to activate the "abandonment of ship" clause, which would allow for the crew to be evacuated and a judicial guardian to be appointed to the vessel.

The situation is complicated by the fact that the ship lacks valid insurance documents and is burdened with debts to various creditors, including administrative detentions by the Red Sea Ports Authority and the Suez Canal Authority. The union has advised the sailors to consider taking legal action to freeze the ship's assets in exchange for their unpaid wages, which would allow them to recover their dues when the ship is sold.

The Egyptian Mariners' Union has praised the role of the maritime sector in supporting the stranded sailors and resolving the crisis. The union's efforts have been focused on ensuring the safe return of the crew to their families and securing their unpaid wages. The crisis highlights the challenges faced by seafarers who are abandoned by their employers and left without support.

The incident is not an isolated one, and the Egyptian government has been working to address the issue of abandoned ships and stranded sailors in the Suez Canal. The government has been coordinating with international authorities to strengthen regulations and protect the rights of seafarers. The rescue efforts are ongoing, and the situation is being closely monitored by the authorities.

The Egyptian authorities are working to find a solution to the crisis, which will ensure the safe return of the sailors and the payment of their dues. The incident has highlighted the need for greater protection and support for seafarers who are vulnerable to abandonment and exploitation.

Key points

• The Egyptian government has launched urgent rescue efforts to save three Egyptian sailors stranded on an abandoned ship in the Suez Canal.
• The ship's owner abandoned the vessel and its crew four months ago, leaving them without pay or support.
• The Egyptian Mariners' Union is working to activate the "abandonment of ship" clause, which would allow for the crew to be evacuated and a judicial guardian to be appointed to the vessel.