| Comments and Observations: | ITF (4 July 2022)
Ship operator has tried to make them sign fake wage receipts in exchange for repatriation. They are staying at a hotel.
Other (10 August 2022)
According to a crew of the vessel, he had reached out to an organization ITF, which had tried to collect our rights from the company, but the company was still stalling and evading payment.
In the salary information table due as of 31/07/2022 prepared by Mr. Fusao Ohori ITF Coordinator, the unpaid total wage was USD 86,330.52.
Govt. of Belize (10 August 2022)
In this regard, please be informed that our Flag State Administration is well aware of this situation which is quite complicated with continuous communication between Local Authorities, Owners, Managers and Insurers. Last communication is today.
According to our records and information, all crew members are safe in a hotel pending some immigration processes carried out by Local Authorities in order to confirm that they can be repatriated. Without the green light from Local Authorities, the repatriation cannot be processed.
Regarding crew wages, we are working diligently to have all outstanding wages properly paid in accordance with their contracts. It is understood that in order to access to all crew members, owners/operators shall appoint a local agent which seems to be completed last week. Through the local agent they will agree on the best method to be used in order to have all outstanding salaries paid.
Once again, we as responsible Flag State Administration are doing everything including virtual meetings with all concerned parties in order to have this matter solved as soon as possible.
Govt. of Belize (17 March 2023)
In connection with the below communication, I would like to formally confirm you that all crew members were repatriated some time after the incident, but it was a back and fore with the amount needed to be paid to each crew member, but finally yesterday we received the notification that all of them were paid in accordance with their contracts.
The process of payment was done through the MLC Insurance Company in conjunction with the ITF. The complete amount was transferred the ITF account and the ITF distributed to each seafarer. Please see attached bank transfers done by the ITF to each seafarer.
With the completion of this, I believe the case can be considered as closed unless you inform us otherwise. If my understanding is correct, I will appreciate if the IMO/ILO joint database reflects this message and tag the case as Resolved.
ITF (23 March 2023)
Seafarers have received their outstanding wages
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