Call for sale of 'unpaid wages ship' stranded at Aberdeen harbour

A union has called for the sale of a supply vessel that has been detained at Aberdeen harbour due to workers not being paid for a year.

The Malaviya Seven was detained in June last year as crew members had not been paid. It was detained again in October.

The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) believes dozens of crew members are now owed a total of more than £600,000.

Aberdeen Sheriff Court has ruled that the ship should now be valued.

A broker will prepare a report for a sheriff to consider before a sale can be granted.

The ITF said the development was not a victory for the crew, but another step closer to resolution.

The crew members hope legal action can bring a resolution after a year of uncertainty

A writ was earlier served which prevented the ship from leaving Aberdeen harbour.

'Horrific circumstances'

Ken Fleming, from the ITWF, said ahead of Thursday's hearing: "GOL Offshore have appeared and disappeared, appeared and disappeared, and are playing with the legal system.

"The horrific circumstances that it is inflicting on the crew has become unacceptable.

"I have brought my entire UK inspector team up here to show some solidarity with the crew."

Malaviya Seven was detained in June last year

Malaviya Seven chief officer Bamadev Swain is one of 12 crew still on board the ship.

Mr Swain told BBC Scotland: "My daughter keeps asking every now and then 'when is papa coming back?'

"It's very difficult."

No comment

Vessel owner GOL Offshore is now in liquidation.

No-one from the company has responded to requests for comment.