Georgian sailors in Africa working in poor conditions, say officials

Georgian sailors in Africa are working in sub-standard conditions with no drinking water and food, international maritime authorities say, and are urging the local authorities to get involved and help the sailors.

The Sea Transport Agency informed Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and the Sailors’ Professional Unions about the poor conditions the Georgian sailors in Africa, at Cotonou Seaport, were working in.

The Agency said it had been contacted by several Georgian sailors on board one of the ships stopped at the Cotonou Port, who told them they had no drinking water and food.

"They told us that the ship was under the management of one of the Greek companies that faced financial problems and failed to give salaries to the crew,” the Sea Transport said.

"They also said that there were five more ships under the same company in the region with 25 Georgian sailors on them,” said the Agency, further noting it still had contact with the sailors who telephoned them and their families about their working conditions.

A statement by the Agency noted it had tried to contact the Greek company, however the latter refused to communicate.

"We appeal to the Ministry and the Union to assist the people,” the Agency stated.