Varuna
19 seafarers abandoned on the Varuna (IMO 9269934, flag Panama) in Varna, Bulgaria, 1 September 2024. ILO case 1095, status: Resolved.
- Status
- Resolved
- Abandonment ID
- 1095
- IMO Number
- 9269934
- Flag
- Panama
- Port of Abandonment
- Varna, Bulgaria
- Abandonment Date
- 1 September 2024
- Notification Date
- 7 October 2024
- Seafarers
- 19
- Reporting Org.
- International Transport Workers' Federation
Circumstances
Crew have outstanding wages of 3 months, lack of provisions and requesting repatriation
Updates
12 December 2024: International Transport Workers' Federation
The crew were paid their outstanding wages up to the date of repatriation. Crew received their remaining wages after signing off on 20 October 2024.
This case has been resolved.
12 November 2024: Panama
(by Panama Maritime Authority)
Since October 8th we have been working on the VARUNA vessel case. The payment of some salaries has been achieved, however, there are still pending.
As soon as we have a complete report we will notify you immediately.
11 November 2024: Bulgaria
(by Embassy of Bulgaria)
Please find attached information from the Bulgarian Maritime Administration concerning the motor tanker Varuna, IMO 9269934, sailing under the flag of the Republic of Panama and located at the moment outside the territorial sea of the Republic of Bulgaria.
14 October 2024: Other
by International Group of P&I Clubs
The Skuld Club was first advised of the abandonment situation when ITF contacted them on 08.10.24. Skuld had not received any direct requests/claims from the Varuna's seafarers prior to that date.
Skuld has been in contact with the Flag State administration, Panama. The owner, however, is located in Ukraine, not Panama.
Following receipt of information from the ITF Skuld immediately contacted the insured person and the Club suggests that, as of last week, the shipowner has made 2 payments to cover outstanding wages and will keep making payments to cover the outstanding sums shortly.
Skuld has noted that as per available information, 5 seafarers signed a declaration of abandonment and the intent is to repatriate them ASAP. The vessel is currently outside Varna, Bulgaria and we are advised that it will be drydocked there for at least 2 months for repairs. The crew will be reduced in number during this period of lay up.
Skuld has also received documents confirming bunkering costs were paid on 09.10.24 and that food was delivered at the end of September.
Skuld is following the situation closely and we will advise as soon as we receive further updates. Skuld is, of course, prepared to meet its MLC obligations in full. However, since the owner has taken steps to pay the outstanding sums owed and has confirmed that the remaining amounts shall be paid, the Club has not yet made any payment arrangements, but it is on stand-by should this be required.
14 October 2024: Panama
by Panama Maritime Authority
Since October 08, 2024, we proceeded with the communication with the operators/owners/resident agents of the vessel VARUNA.
Currently we are in communication with ITF personnel and the financial guarantee with the P&I has been activated.