Source – Spalsh 247
Oil tanker “China Dawn” owned by Nan Fung shipping of Hong Kong and managed by a leading third party ship management company has been diverted by the Indian master after passing Madagascar towards India for crew change citing reasons as mental strain from prolonged working hours and stress due to Covid-19 crises.
The vessel China Dawn was enroute from Brazil to Singapore.
On the subject vessel seven crew members including master has already completed their contract and are stranded onboard due to Covid-19.
After dailouge between the ensuing parties for over 48 hours decision was made by charterers to divert the vessel.
Our governments, IMO and shipping fraternity has to realise that this may just be the start of many standoffs and divertions which will start between the vessels staff, owners and charterers in the days to come and it will might cripple the global supply chain causing serious disruptions.
Seafarers are left with no other option when there is no hope of crew change from Shipping Companies due to restrictions of Covid-19. Many seafarers have completed their contract long back and are overdue for relief and struck on board with no hope of relief. Shipping Companies must take it on priority and discuss the possibility of crew change with Govt agencies, Flag state, owners,charterers.
Very sad government must realize the mental stresses causing the seamen due prolonged contracts.signing on and signing off facilities must be stabilized at an early date.
Very sad to hear. This situation has been so hard to deal and it is the only way to make it work for the end of it. Working under prolonged stress and anxiety might create more trouble on board.