ITF provides 25 cans of drinking water to Pratibha Varna’s crew

Chennai:

International Transport Workers Federation came to the rescue of 29 striking crew of Pratibha Varna, who have anchored the ship with 7,900 metric tonnes of motor spirit oil of Indian Oil Corporation outside the Chennai Port for nearly 30 days, by providing them with 25 cans of drinking water.

International Transport Workers Federation Sreekumar said that he delivered the water to the crew of the ship which is under arrest since October 25 following a high court after it failed to pay dues to two companies.

Legal sources said in case the owner fails to provide provisions to the crew then High Court will be approached to provide the crew with food and water. 

Meanwhile, the striking crew is willing to discharge the cargo of Indian Oil Corporation. Sreekumar said the Port trust has requested them to discharge the cargo and they have complied but now it is the duty of Indian Oil corporation to order for berthing of the vessel.
Third Vessel stranded in Vizag:

ITF Sreekumar also said a third ship of Pratibha Shipping Company Pratibha Neera is also stranded in Vizag as the crew of the ship too have protested seeking their unpaid wages. It is anchored outside Visakhapatnam. High Court advocate Abdul Quddhose said Madras High Court has ordered a notice in the arrest application of Pratibha Neera two weeks ago after one of the crew members approached the court seeking unpaid wages.