Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Villa-Deste

A distress signal has emerged from the bulk carrier 'Villa Deste,' currently anchored at BHP’s Hay Point Coal Terminal in Mackay, North Queensland. A crew member reached out to the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), revealing alarming conditions aboard the vessel. The crew reported a lack of food and unpaid wages, with only a $4 daily food budget for sustenance. In the urgent message, the crew member pleaded for assistance: "Dear ITF, this is one crew of mv Villa Deste. We are now at Hay Point, Australia, please help us. We have no food and no salary. The budget for our daily food is supposed to be $8, but the captain only allocates $4, and we are hungry. Please help! Thank you for your response." The ITF has expressed concern over BHP's refusal to permit inspections of the 'Villa Deste,' emphasizing that this is not an isolated incident. In a prior inspection on July 3, 2018, at the Port of Fremantle, the ITF found similar issues aboard another vessel of the same owner, Evalend Shipping Company SA—the 'Penelope L'—where crew members faced harsh living conditions and received decaying food. Adding to the dire situation, the ITF claimed to have previously reached out to Australia’s Department of Home Affairs regarding BHP’s ongoing denials of access for inspectors. This situation underscores the ongoing debate surrounding flag of convenience vessels and the need for improved conditions for seafarers. For further details, read the full report here: https://www.handyshippingguide.com/shipping-news/crew-conditions-on-bulk-carrier-heightens-continuing-row-over-flag-of-convenience-vessels_10735.