03:02, 18 April 2014

In Baku, one more crew member of Astrakhan bulk-carrier "Vatan-1" is hospitalized

Crew of bulk-carrier ’Vatan-1’ at the port of Baku, March 18, 2014. Photo is provided by crew members

One more crew member of the Astrakhan bulk-carrier "Vatan-1", which was detained in the port of Baku for debts, has been hospitalized. For the third day, the crew of the vessel is on the ship without fuel, heat and electricity.

Let us remind you that the bulk-carrier "Vatan-1", owned by the Russian company "VTS-Trans", arrived in the port of Baku on February 6. The ship could not continue the voyage because of engine failure, and the bulk-carrier is to pay penalty for time spent in the port. On March 23, the crew claimed the lack of drinking water and food, and on April 18, the sailors said that they had spent already three days without fuel, heat and electricity.

The bulk-carrier's captain reports the critical situation on board because of the lack of heat and electricity and asked for help.

"Batteries are empty, and generators do not work because of lack of fuel. We are hostages of a slave owner in a galley," said Timur Kamalov, the bulk-carrier's captain.

Author: Elena Grebenyuk

Source: CK correspondent