ITF inspector Betty Makena named the sailors as Athman Mzee Hamisi, who is listed as the ship’s master, Imbuga Aggrey Diede, an electrician, Mapinga Mwalimu, Tela Hamisi Juma, who is a cook, and Yusuf Omar Ragunda, a greaser. Makena said four others Kenyans had previously joined the crew but left and returned home. The five are joined by ITF staff, wearing hat.[Maarufu Mohamed, Standard]
Five Kenyan sailors have been stranded in Asia for the last two years after their vessel broke down. Reports indicate that crew members of a Zanzibari flagged vessel, MV Queen Binanga, have not been paid. The ferry has been moored off the Tanjuk Priok port in Jakarta, Indonesia, and is said have first docked at Port Labuan in Malaysia.
International Transport Federation (ITF) Mombasa Port Inspector Betty Makena said the Kenyan seafarers had initially been hired by a Burundian national, who had purchased the vessel from the Philippines.
Union chairman Daudi Haji and secretary Stephen Waki have appealed to the Government to rescue the Kenyans.
“We also want the ship owner compelled to pay their salary arrears,” said Mr Haji.
