British Columbia prepare holiday care packages for stranded Hanjin crew
The company has since filed for bankruptcy, leaving the fates of the crew aboard the Hanjin Scarlet off Saturna Island in limbo
By Emma Crawford Hampel
A handful of British Columbian groups are banding together to bring food, gear and some much-needed distraction to the stranded crew of the Hanjin Scarlet.
Thirteen crewmembers are on the vessel, which is anchored off Saturna Island. Some of those on board have been stuck on the ship since August 31, when the Hanjin Shipping Co. filed for bankruptcy. Although the cargo was offloaded in Vancouver over a month ago, crewmembers are in limbo as they can’t come on shore without being arrested.
“I think crew morale is really low,” said Kevin Lee, vice-president of the B.C. Ferry and Marine Workers’ Union (BCFMWU).
The BCFMWU, the International Transportation Workers’ Federation, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Victoria Filipino Canadian Association are working together to get the gear and gifts to the Filipino and South Korean crewmembers December 20.
Packages will consist of warm clothing and other cold weather gear, food and cash for crewmembers to send home to their families. The groups will also be bringing DVDs, games and communications equipment, including a laptop and unlocked cellphones.
