Campaign to help strandedseamen at Rye

The 999 ton MV Torrent is one of seven ships in various ports in Britain and Europe that have been “arrested” by the Admiralty Marshall.

She arrived at Rye in January carrying a cargo of roadstone from a Cornish quarry.

The Russian captain and five Ukrainian crew members have been forced to remain on board without wages and with dwindling food supplies.

Rye Lions have now stepped in to provide the crew with emergency supplies of fresh fish with the help of the Rye fishing fleet.

Conrad Freezer, of Rye Lions, said: “The ship’s owner is reported to have debts in excess of £1 million for the costs of fuel and general running of the fleet.

“It is essential that the ship remains manned by a crew of at least six members to comply with safety and other requirements.”

He added: “Rye and District Lions Club, which is part of an international organisation, became aware of the plight of the Russian Master and five Ukrainian crew and quickly provided emergency supplies of fish, with the assistance of the Rye Fishing fleet.

“Other basic food provisions will be required in the near future. The crew have been left destitute.”

Captain Moseev said that he and his crew have not been paid any wages since October last year and then only a partial payment was received. “He said: “We are all concerned for our wives and children back home who have not received any money for some time”.

Rye Lions President, Malcolm McDonough, is concerned that the ship may be under detention for many months whilst the legal and financial issues are negotiated, which means the crew’s conditions could worsen.

He said: “Being an island nation, with a long maritime history, we have a special place in our hearts for these seafarers who have become destitute through no fault of their own”.

Huge cargo vessels such as the Torrent have been regular visitors to Rye Wharf in recent years, often carrying cargos of roadstone, aggregate and even talcum powder. It has helped to revive Rye Harbour’s fortunes as a working port.