Request for help for crew on boarded ship
The crew aboard the bulk carrier Caffa is reportedly running low on food and fresh water as they face restrictions imposed by Swedish authorities.
The bulk carrier Caffa, currently under a usage ban and docked off Trelleborg, Sweden, is in dire need of food and fresh water according to the Russian consul general's letter to the Swedish Transport Agency. The letter cites international law and demands assistance for the Russian crew onboard. The situation has escalated as the Swedish authorities have taken action against the ship, which is accused of serious safety violations, resulting in the captain being detained.
In the aftermath of the ship being boarded by Swedish police and coastguard, the Seamen's Church in MalmΓΆ stepped in to provide food supplies during the first week. However, given the deteriorating conditions aboard the Caffa, the urgency for continued support is becoming critical. The authorities have expressed concern over the safety status of the vessel and its crew, leading to increased scrutiny of the operations happening on board.
Additionally, nearby, another vessel, the Sea Owl I, is also held by Swedish authorities, with its Russian captain under arrest for allegedly using false documentation. Both ships are suspected of sailing under false flags, indicating a broader issue of maritime safety and adherence to international law. This raises significant questions regarding the regulatory compliance of foreign vessels operating in Swedish waters and the responsibilities of their home countries to support their crews under such circumstances.