Final Malaviya Seven sailors leave Aberdeen
Their ship's been held in the Granite City for more than a year over nearly ÂŁ700,000 in unpaid wages
The final four members of the Malaviya Seven crew have left Aberdeen after more than a year stranded in the city's harbour.
More than twenty sailors arrived in the Granite city in 2016, thinking they were here for a short stay – but the supply vessel was detained, after their wages went unpaid. A legal battle ensued, and earlier this year a sheriff ruled the ship can be sold to pay their outstanding wages last week, totalling more than £600,000.
It’s understood Aberdeen Harbour was also look to recoup monies – totalling around £100,000.
Colin Parker, Chief Executive, Aberdeen Harbour Board:
"In common with any vessel using a port, berthing charges are applicable to detained vessels, and in the case of the Malaviya 7, due to the length of its stay, these have become significant.
Along with other organisations providing services to the vessel during its time in Aberdeen, we expect our invoice to be paid in full. Depending on the funds realised from the sale of the vessel, Aberdeen Harbour will look to recover this debt, but none of this, in our opinion, should in any way impact upon wages that the crew are entitled to."
The rest of the crew will stay behind to hand their ship over to its new owner - after the company who owned the ship was entered into administration.
An offer for the ship’s purchase was accepted last night. It’s after the vessel failed to sell at auction. The total purchase price hasn’t been disclosed – but it’s understood to be enough to pay the outstanding wage bill.