The ship “Gam Express“ sent a distress signal in the Kerch Strait, Russia's Southern Transport Prosecutor's Office said today, quoted by Reuters.
“The Southern Transport Prosecutor's Office is monitoring shipping safety in connection with the sending of a distress signal by the vessel “Gam Express“ in the Kerch Strait,“ a statement published on “Telegram“ said.
Interfax news agency reported that the ship sent the signal due to delays in paying salaries and a lack of food.
“The crew simply has not received their salaries for three months and there is no food. Food was last delivered on board on November 16, it's all gone. That's why they're signaling," the Russian Seafarers' Union said.
The Kerch Strait connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Azov and is a significant maritime transport route, Reuters notes.