ITF runs welfare check on Ever Given

By Michael McGrady, Maritime Direct Americas & Pacific Correspondent

LONDON/CAIRO — The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) announced that their Arab World and Iran Network had taken the time to run a welfare check on the crew of the Ever Given that’s currently being held by Egyptian authorities.

“We are pleased to inform the world that the crew of the Ever Given is in good spirits and doing well.”

“The crew were pleased to see ITF Egyptian union officials, who greeted them and expressed the solidarity of the global seafaring family,” said Mohamed Arrachedi, the ITF coordinator for the region, in a press statement that was released April 20, 2021.

“The crew are understandably sensitive at the moment, as they wait to see the what will happen with arguments between authorities and other parties,” he added.

“They are eager to sail or know that they will be able to go home and see their families if the ship cannot leave Egypt soon. They are relieved to know the ITF is on their side.”

According to the ITF inspection, there are currently no major violations and the crew is being taken care off as best as possible.

This is a developing story.