Liberian Registry Defends Against ITF Claims
The Liberian Registry has responded to ITF accusations that it has not been in contact with crew members of the TMT A Whale while the ship has been stranded near Suez for the past six months resulting from the parent company's financial challenges.
Scott Bergeron states the flag has been in "regular contact with the crew":
While the owner and manager have made regular assurances with regard to the welfare and wages of the crew, this situation appears to have deteriorated to the point that the flag state will need to assert its authority in respect of the welfare of the crew.
If the situation is not resolved to our satisfaction in the next few days, the Liberian Registry will take the necessary steps in accordance with our obligations. This will include enforcement action against the vessel and making arrangements to allow for the repatriation of any crew member that seeks to be returned home. The Liberian Registry will also formally recognise and record outstanding wage claims of the crew.
