Ten sailors have been stranded for four months on the abandoned vessel in the Port of Constanța

Ten Syrian sailors have been stranded for more than three months aboard the Militsa, a ship abandoned by its owner in the Port of Constanța after arriving at the Port of Agigea to load corn. The seafarers have not received their salaries since April and cannot return home because the ship must be kept with a minimum safety crew.

The ten sailors left Syria approximately one year ago and arrived in Constanța in July. In the meantime, the ship was left without a flag and was placed under seizure because of the owner’s debts. Their families in Syria are no longer receiving financial support, and living conditions on board have deteriorated.

Two crew members have serious medical problems. One of them said he suffers from kidney failure and needs an operation. The ship has also run out of fuel for its generators, while the crew is facing power outages and the approach of the cold season.

The authorities, the ship’s agent and representatives of ITF Romania are trying to find a solution for repatriation. Reducing the crew requires the approval of the Romanian Naval Authority, while placing the ship in lay-up must be approved by the port administration. Until the permits are obtained, the sailors are obliged to remain on board.