Desperate seamen stranded off Khorfakkan ready to risk jail

Why has the world abandoned us?

That is the question, seamen aboard the IN Monger-3, a wrecked vessel anchored off the coast of Khorfakkan, is asking.

The vessel has once again run out of diesel - the second time in the last 10 days - and the men, mostly Indians, are considering courting arrest if the problem is not resolved soon.

The current state of the ship on which the stranded sailors are living. (Supplied)

Speaking to Emirates 24|7 over the phone from aboard the vessel on Monday evening, the men, almost in tears, said they are seriously worried about what will happen next.

“If we continue here for another week some of us will die. We have approached every one possible for help, but the situation has only worsened with every passing day,” said Smigin, one of the stranded sailors.

The last time the ship ran out of fuel, the Indian embassy rushed in additional fuel onto the vessel to save it from a total blackout.

The current state of the ship on which the stranded sailors are living. (Supplied)

“It crosses 50 degrees Celsius here and we are left with no air conditioning or proper food to eat,” another sailor said.

The men are now threatening to somehow get out of the vessel and gain entry into Khorfakkan.

“We know that it is illegal to enter a country without a visa, but we do not care anymore. If we are arrested so be it. It is much better than living here on this vessel,” Smigin added.

The ship has been anchored off Khorfakkan for the last two years and according to official papers shows ownership by a Taiwanese national and Nas Ship Management.

The ship was due to sail to China to be dismantled and sold as scrap.

The seamen, who were promised salaries between $2500 to $10,000 a month, claim to have so far not received any remuneration.

They are refusing to leave the vessel until they are paid their dues.

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