Four Kenyan seafarers who were stranded in Oman after being abandoned by the Somali-flagged vessel FV SAHRLA have returned to Kenya.
Principal Secretary for Shipping and Maritime Affairs Geoffrey Kaituko confirmed their safe return, revealing that the seafarers were left at Port Duqm in March when the vessel, owned by TG Blue Treasure Seafood Inc., encountered mechanical issues.
The ship was sent to a dry dock for repairs, but the owner failed to cover the repair and port fees.
“I am pleased to announce that the four Kenyan seafarers who were abandoned in Oman are now safely back home,” PS Kaituko said on Thursday.
Kaituko emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting seafarers, citing Kenya’s ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention of 2006, which obligates the government to safeguard its maritime workforce.
He also expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its role in the repatriation process, thanking PS Foreign Affairs Dr. Korir Sing’Oei, PS Diaspora Affairs Rosleine Njogu,
and others involved, including Margaret Mwirigi (Charge d’Affaires in Oman), Atie Swaleh Ramadhan (SG Seafarers Union of Kenya), Mwinyi Jahazi (Chair Maritime Labour Board), Andrew Mwangura, and their families.
PS Kaituko assured that efforts will be made to hold the vessel’s owner accountable, working in collaboration with Somali authorities.
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