ITF and SUR call for action over kidnapped crew

The ITF and its member unions the SUR (Seafarers’ Union of Russia), ver.di and MTWTU (Marine Transport Workers' Trade Union of Ukraine) are calling for a fast but reasoned response to the kidnapping of eight crew members of the BBC Caribbean in the Gulf of Guinea. The seafarers – seven Russians and a Ukrainian – were taken off the cargo ship by pirates and are believed to be being held hostage in Nigeria.

ITF seafarers’ section chair David Heindel stated: “This is an urgent and dangerous affair for these seafarers, and a deeply worrying time for their families. It requires a speedy response. We understand that the Russian Embassy is involved and if there is anything we can do to assist their diplomatic efforts to release the crew we will be pleased to do so.

The ship is owned by Briese Schiffahrts and managed by one of their subsidiaries in St Petersburg, and we call on the company to engage with all parties to ensure the safety and release of the crew members. Again, we are available to assist. ”

He continued: “We would caution against any attempt to free these seafarers by means of a military raid at this time, given the risk to them inherent in such an operation. We would, however, like to see far more preventative action by the Nigerian armed forces, so that these situations are averted before they happen.”

Torben Seebold, maritime coordinator of the German trade union ver.di, which negotiates ITF agreements covering Briese Schiffahrts crews, stated: “We call for the immediate release of these men. Ver.di and the ITF are offering assistance to their families, and we are ready to help in any way we can to secure their fast and safe return. We expect that Briese Schiffahrts will similarly maintain close and intensive cooperation with the local authorities and also with the affected families.”

Chairman of the SUR Sevastopol Primary Organisation (SUR Sevastopol PPOOM) Artem Boev said that the Primary Union Organisation is ready to provide any possible assistance to the families of seafarers, and is staying connected with the Crimean crewing company, through which the seafarers shipped on BBC Caribbean.

– The crewing company reported that negotiations to free the crew members are already underway. Hopefully, they don’t go on for too long, and the seafarers will soon be able to return home. In addition, the representatives of the crewing company confirmed that the ship's master had indeed got in touch with the employer and said that all seafarers were alive, but their location is still not known, – said Artem Boev