Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) as the shipmanager of the containership EVER GIVEN, would like to take the opportunity to provide an update on the status of the crew members aboard.

Currently, there are 25 Indian national crew members onboard the vessel. All are safe, in good health and good spirits. Day-to-day operations onboard the vessel continue with the seafarers aboard conducting routine fire and safety drills alongside ongoing planned vessel maintenance.

When the vessel went aground all crew onboard were within the terms of their contracts. However, delays in allowing the vessel to depart mean that three crew members are now due to be relieved. Requests to allow the overdue crew to depart have been granted by the Suez Canal Authority (SCA). Minimum safe manning standards for the vessel will be maintained at all times and crew members who depart the vessel are being relieved.

“Our utmost priority remains the safety and wellbeing of our crew. We are in regular contact with them and their families, offering all necessary support. While we are hoping that the vessel and her crew will be able to resume the voyage as soon as possible, we are incredibly proud of our master and crew who have and continue to perform their duties to the highest standards with exceptional professionalism under difficult circumstances,” says Ian Beveridge, CEO at BSM.

All crew members have full internet access and can communicate with their families. The vessel is fully supplied with food, including 20 days of fresh fruit and vegetables, and a resupply of fresh drinking water was completed on 17 April. All crew wages have also been paid in full.

On 18 April, representatives from the International Transport Workers Federation visited the vessel where they were able to speak with the crew and confirm everybody on board remains safe and well. The Mission for Seafarers were also able to make a visit aboard to provide emotional and spiritual support to those onboard.