The ship, a 31-year-old general cargo vessel owned by Turkey’s Dalyan Shipping according to Equasis, was found to have numerous violations endangering the welfare of its crew.
The inspection conducted by Haifa’s Port State Control (PSC) identified 29 defects, with 18 classified as serious breaches of regulations, sufficient to warrant immediate detention. Among the reported issues were the absence of employment contracts, malfunctioning food storage freezers with temperatures above 0°C, pervasive odor of spoiled meat, infestation of insects, and broken sanitation facilities.
ITF inspector Assaf Hader expressed dismay at the situation, labeling the conditions "inhuman" and stressing the disgrace of subjecting seafarers to such environments. In response to the dire conditions onboard, Hader has arranged for portable toilets and showers to be provided dockside for the crew. Additionally, efforts are underway to facilitate the repatriation of the seafarers to their respective home countries.
The detention of the Serafina highlights ongoing concerns regarding maritime safety and welfare standards, underscoring the critical need for rigorous enforcement of international regulations to protect seafarers' rights and well-being.
