Maritime and Coastguard Agency
This is the official Podcast of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency covering stories around its people and its work. The work of maritime innovation, seafarer health and well-being, HM Coastguard, counter-pollution and survey, inspection and regulation.
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Taking care of seafarers: the day the MCA detained five ships
It drew worldwide attention. On the 19 June 2020, surveyors from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency boarded six ships, five in Tilbury, one in Avonmouth and carried out full inspections. It followed discussions at international level about the way the crews were being treated. Serious concerns about their welfare led to a decision to have the unannounced inspections. Five ships were detained, four at Tilbury, one at Avonmouth.
All five detained ships were from the same company – Global Cruise Lines Limited. Four were flagged with the Bahamas and one with Portugal (Madeira) .
This is the story of those detentions.