Company Slammed

A Danish shipping company has had complaints filed against it for allegedly neglecting its duties in connection to six of its sailors who have been held hostage by Somali pirates since 12th January.

The Danish Maritime Officers’ organisation (DMO) has made the claims against Shipcraft and its CEO, claiming they have contravened safety at sea and working environment rules by not attempting to win the release of the crew.

When crews are held captive the one ray of hope for them is the (usual) knowledge that somewhere their employers are doing all possible to safeguard their release. If these claims are true, then it seems despicable that a company could simply abandon its seafarers in such a manner.

The DMO is also calling for an independent body to ensure that owners do indeed pursue all efforts to safeguard crews. An idea with much merit.