Wage arrears and air fares of $12,000 due to six Ukrainian sailors who jumped ship in Waterford were yesterday handed back to their Russian employer.
One of the men has sought political asylum in Ireland while the other five, who left the MV Firyuza on Saturday night, were still missing. Olmar Shipping had agreed to pay the back money after six weeks of talks with SIPTU officials in Waterford.
Two other crew members, however, have been paid arrears of almost $1,500 each and are to be flown home in the next few days.
The cargo ship has been docked in Waterford since mid-June when the crew refused to sail until three months' wage arrears had been paid. Some of the 18 crew members in dispute settled their differences with the company and one crew member who became ill was flown home.
The vessel has been detained since July 9th, when the marine survey office deemed it unseaworthy. Repairs were still being made yesterday.
