The trade union achieved the release of detained Ukrainian sailors whose documents were taken away

The Ukrainian Maritime Transport Workers’ Union has secured the release of detained Ukrainian seafarers.

According to the MTWTUU, in November 2024, two seafarers were detained after an accident involving another crew member, who suffered a serious hand injury.

The following day, both seafarers were removed from the ship, presumably to give statements to the police. However, after questioning, they were placed in a hotel without explanation, with their documents withheld.

For several days, the company did not provide any information about their situation or further actions, leaving the seafarers uncertain about the duration of their stay and possible legal consequences.

The PRMTU established contact with consular services, whose involvement played a key role in resolving some of the issues in the case. In parallel, the union maintained constant contact with the employer company and the sister union, involving various mechanisms and ways to protect the rights and well-being of crew members.

Ultimately, after more than a month of consideration of the case, both sailors were released, and they returned home safely. The case was officially closed.

Later, the union learned that one of the sailors had died. To support his family, the PRMTU provided financial assistance.

Subsequently, another sailor confirmed receiving payment for the period of stay ashore after decommissioning until the moment of repatriation. The family of the deceased sailor also received the appropriate payments.

Earlier, USM reported that a sailor from Izmail received a suspended sentence for drug trafficking.