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The future still remains unclear for the 14-member crew of an Italian cargo ship that has been anchored in Hamilton Harbour for months. The “Ardita”, owned by Italian company Setramar, arrived in Hamilton on April 24th this year and has been here ever since. According to the Hamilton Port Authority, the vessel has resided in port pending the resolution of a dispute regarding services supplied to the vseel. The HPA, which is not directly involved, says the crew is now awaiting a resolution that would see them return to the ship’s port of Ravenna, Italy.
The ship is currently under a ship arrest, meaning a federal court order was issued to prevent it from moving or trading legally. McKeil Marine, based in Hamilton, had tried to purchase Ardita, but according to a statement on their website, the deal fell through after the ship’s owners failed to deliver documents required to close the deal.
The Mission to Seafarers, Southern Ontario is providing services to the crew, helping them when they come to port, by getting supplies, food, water and contacting their families. The mission says that Setramar is still paying the crew members.
HPA says the original 14-member crew was replaced by another crew, allowing them to return home to their families. No word yet on when this current crew will be able to go home.
