BALTIMORE (WBFF) -- Eighteen men have been stuck aboard a carrier ship in the Baltimore Harbor for more than a month.
The Newlead Granadino, based out of Malta, was already having engine issues before arriving in Baltimore.
It was only supposed to be in town for a few days to deliver asphalt.
And then their problems got worse.
“I had a team go on board and conduct an exam. During that exam I found a number of safety deficiencies,” said Christopher Davis, U.S. Coast Guard.
According to the International Transport Workers Federation, the owner of the ship, Aeolus Compania Naviera S.A., is behind on paying for its lease on the ship, its operation dues, and even the crew.
“What needs to happen at this point is that the bank that has the lean on this ship needs to come forward and take care of these men, take care of the issues taking place on this vessel,” said Barbara Shipley, International Trade Workers Federation.
The ITF says some of these men have not been home in a year.
It has been a month of just floating in the harbor, living under harsh conditions.
“There’s 18 men on this ship. They’re hungry. They’re tired. They’re dirty. They want to get paid and they want to go home. They want to see their families. Their families are all very concerned,” said Shipley. “I’ve been told they’re fishing off the side of the vessel.”
They have had the occasional visit from the coast guard, and a few supplies from the Seafarers Center.
“I think it’s really important for them to know that somebody cares and that if additional needs develop they can reach out to us and we'll reach out to our supporters and do the best we can,” said Mary Davisson, Baltimore International Seafarers Center.
Most of these men are foreignand do not have visas so they cannot come ashore.
A third party ship management company intervened Monday to try to get it all sorted out.
”If you have half a heart it makes you feel bad for those guys because they have families at home,” said Davis.
It will be well into winter before the ship is fixed.
As they wait for help, the shore still looks far away.
(baltimore.cbslocal.com)
