16 January 2017 – The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver visited the detained container ship HANJIN VIENNA on 15 January 2017 to meet with the thirteen (13) Filipino crew while the ship was anchored at Vancouver’s Inner Harbour Anchorage.

The 280-meter container ship, owned and managed by Hamburg-based Reederei NSB and chartered by Hanjin shipping company had been in detention since September 1, 2016 due to the Korean company’s unpaid bills to port authorities, cargo handlers and its creditors. The ship has been anchored in a remote area in Constance Bank near Victoria and was allowed to proceed to the inner anchorage of Vancouver on 14 January 2017 in order to load bunker fuel and provisions.

Consul Rogelio Villanueva, Jr. met with Captain Hans-Ruediger Kroeger who briefed him on the current status of the ship. He was able to talk with the Filipino crew who are all in good condition and have enough supplies and food onboard. Most of the crew are nearing the end of their contracts and are eager to return to their families in the Philippines after spending their Christmas and New Year on board the ship.

Before leaving the ship, Consul Villanueva gave the Filipino crew the favorite Filipino food, siopao and local Filipino newspapers. The Filipino crew thanked the Consulate for continuously monitoring their situation and looking after their welfare. The Consulate last visited the Hanjin Vienna on 23 November 2016. - END