Kerning Cultures Abandoned Ships: Part 2
May 20, 2021
After being left stranded for nearly three years on a sinking ship, Vikash Mishra shares his harrowing journey back to India. The discussion delves into the dark world of ship abandonment, highlighting the dire conditions crews face when owners vanish. Vikash recounts desperate measures taken to survive and the emotional toll on both him and his family. Media attention played a key role in securing partial wages, while discussions of rising abandonment cases and potential legal reforms reveal a broader issue within the maritime industry.
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Contract That Turned Into A Long Ordeal
- Vikash Mishra took an eight-month contract in October 2016 to work on MV Tamim Aldar and planned to return by April 2017.
- He left a newborn daughter at home but accepted the job for engineering experience despite lower pay.
Owners Vanished After Mechanical Failure
- The ship's owner, Elite Way Marine Services, delayed salaries and failed to fix a broken tiller shaft after the crew reported it.
- Mission to Seafarers began delivering supplies because the company stopped responding.
Charities Fill Legal And Logistical Gaps
- Small NGOs like Mission to Seafarers filled critical gaps by delivering water, food and SIM cards to abandoned crews.
- Their physical access and advocacy became decisive when official channels stalled.