The Seafarers' Union of Russia assisted the crew of MV Lady Fortune to receive their salaries

The crew of the MV Lady Fortune (IMO 8033120, flag of Sierra Leone) began receiving their salaries. This became possible after the appeal of the Labor Inspector of the Seafarers' Union of Russia Olga Ananyina to the shipowner. 

On December 16, the crew, consisting of 12 Azerbaijanis and a Turk, turned to the Seafarers' Union of Russia seeking for assistance. They reported violations of the Maritime Labor Convention provisions on board the vessel. The amount of back wages owed to the Lady Fortune crew was USD160,000. 

Furthermore, the seafarers employment agreements have expired for a long time. 

According to Olga Ananyina, following the negotiations with the company, seven crew members were paid their salaries in full, the total amount of the payments was USD53,000. The other six crew members - the Captain, the Chief Officer, the Third Officer, the Chief Engineer, the Second Engineer and the Motorman - received salaries for one month. 

According to the agreement signed by the seafarers, the remaining debt will be paid after loading, which is scheduled for today. In addition, the shipowner confirmed payment of wage arrears for two Azerbaijanis and a Turk who were signed off from the vessel in March of this year. 

“Food and water will be delivered on board after the vessel is berthed,” the SUR Labor Inspector added. Olga Ananyina noted that MV Lady Fortune has been detained several times. The latest detention was on August 20, 2024 in Alexandria (Egypt).