Desperate for a lifeline

In dire straits: A cry for help written by the ‘MV Viet Tin 01’ crew members on the hull of the Vietnamese vessel in Teluk Rumania, Johor. — Photo courtesy of NUSPM The seafarers took to writing their “cry for help” in bold white letters reading “HELP US. NO FOOD. NO SALARY.” on the hull of their vessel because with no salary, they could not afford to hire a boat to go ashore and with the MCO in effect, it became impossible to leave their vessel for food or even medical aid.

PETALING JAYA: Twelve Vietnamese seafarers, including the captain, have been stranded in Malaysian waters in deplorable conditions since they started work aboard the vessel in mid-March this year.

A picture of the crew putting up a “Please Help” sign on the hull of the MV Viet Tin 01 was shared by the National Union of Seafarers Peninsular Malaysia (NUSPM).