Russian Ship for Sale

MOT Abandoned Russian FreighterWe have reported several times on the fate of the skeleton crew onboard the Russian freighter, Zapolyarye, which is docked at Motril Port. There have been developments.

After having arrived over a year ago the Juzgado de lo Mercantil has given permission to Motril Port to sell the ship. Consequently, the Port Authorities are organising an auction for next year, which will also put an end to the uncertainty of the six crewmen who have remained aboard ever since then.

Murmansk Shipping Company went bust in May 2018 leaving crewmen stranded in ports all over the world, and not just Motril Port.

Although the law courts authorised Capitanía Marítima to put a value on the ship, the Spanish law that governs ports prevents this body from doing precisely this when it concerns ships under foreign flags. To get around this legal sticking port Capitanía Marítima has hired a private company to carry out the task.

In the meantime the six Russian crew members continue onboard in precarious state, both economically and health wise (a lack of basic hygiene facilities and adequate food).

Finally, back in August the Russian Embassy claimed that they had not received any reports concerning the precarious living conditions of the citizens stranded in the Port, yet since that communiqué it is evident that they are now aware of their plight. However, the port has received no communications from the Russian Government, despite the fact that the Russian state owns 25% of the bankrupt shipping company.

(News: Motril, Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia)

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