The ship named “Didim Fatsa”, which is 67 meters long and was built in 1984, has been waiting in the Bandırma No. 3 anchorage area for about 1 month. The crew stated that they have not received their salaries and are in a difficult situation both financially and morally.
The ship’s master, Kamil Serdar Demirkale, recorded their difficulties on video and announced them to the public. Demirkale stated that he has encountered such a situation for the first time in his 45-year maritime life, saying, “We have been at anchor off Bandırma for 25 days. The shipowner cheated us, we did not receive our salaries. We have no more provisions, clean water, or cleaning supplies. The crew got sick, we cannot leave the ship. Everything is filthy, the toilets are clogged, we are cleaning with sea water. I do not accept this disgrace.”
In his speech, Demirkale also criticized the shipowners, saying, “Shame on such people. However many captains’ and sailors’ labor they have consumed, let my right be forbidden and vile. I will take that money of mine by force. I am not asking for charity, I want the compensation for my labor.”
DGM: We are following the process
A statement regarding the issue was made from the social media account of the General Directorate of Maritime (DGM).
The statement said, “Upon claims regarding the victimization of the crew on duty on the Didim Fatsa ship waiting at anchor in Bandırma, the incident was investigated and water, provisions, and cleaning supplies were provided to the said ship under our coordination. The process is being closely monitored by our side.”
