For the past two years, nine foreign nationals were forced to live in deplorable conditions aboard a multi-million dollar ship stranded off the coast of Mombasa.
Crew members of Syrian descent reported that they were unable to leave the ship without risking losing their salary, which had been withheld for more than three years.
The seamen have been surviving on the MV Jinan without basic necessities or medications, relying on well-wishers for medical assistance.
The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) in conjuction with Seaferers association catered for the nine, as part of their mandate to ensure seafarers rights were respected.
After working on the ship for almost a year, they filed a complaint in Mombasa Court, where a buyer allegedly placed money for the purchase of the ship, which the foreigners have yet to see.
The sum allegedly deposited comprises Ksh58 million in value added tax and Ksh33 million for wages and outstanding port costs. On April 16, the funds were deposited.
