Ship’s master reacts with violence as inspector defends seafarers’ rights in Le Havre, France
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) strongly condemns the assault of ITF Inspector Corine Archambaud while carrying out her official duties onboard the MV BF CARP at MSC Terminal, Le Havre.
During a scheduled inspection to verify crew complaints under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) and ILO Conventions 87 and 98, the vessel’s Master physically confronted Archambaud, attempting to forcibly seize her documents.
The inspector was left shaken, with her documents torn, and had to call for immediate assistance from the French maritime police.
The assault took place on 6 September after the Master responded aggressively to legitimate questions about concerns over inadequate food and water provisions onboard, and seafarers being compelled to carry out dockers’ work – lashing and unlashing of cargo, and plugging and unplugging of ‘reefers’ (refrigerated containers) – without compensation.
“I faced a frightening physical confrontation with this Master simply for standing up for seafarers’ rights – as it is my job to do,” said Archambaud of the assault.
“The pure aggression he showed in standing over me as I sat and aggressively seizing my documents from my hands was shocking – he was so forceful in seizing the documents that my fingernails ripped as I tried to hold on to them. I’ve never encountered this kind of behaviour, and it’s left me shaken. It was clearly meant to intimidate and stop me from standing up for the crew, but it didn’t work.”
ITF Inspectorate Coordinator Steve Trowsdale said: “This unacceptable act of violence not only obstructed a lawful ITF inspection, but it also raises serious concerns about the treatment of the crew at this Master’s hands.”
The ITF calls on BF Foroohi, the shipowner, Marlow Navigation, the crewing manager, and the flag state, Antigua and Barbuda, to take urgent and decisive action.
“Violence and intimidation have no place in international shipping. All seafarers and Inspectors must be guaranteed safe conditions, free from harassment and retaliation,” added Trowsdale.
The ITF reaffirms its solidarity with the crew of the BF CARP and with all seafarers and Inspectors who courageously raise their voices against seafarer exploitation.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- Find out more about the ITF’s FOC campaign here.
About the ITF: The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is a democratic, affiliate-led federation recognised as the world’s leading transport authority. We fight passionately to improve workers’ lives, connecting more than 730 affiliated trade unions from over 150 countries to secure rights, equality and justice for workers globally. We are the voice for more than 16.5 million transport workers across the world.
Media contact: Mark Dearn +44 7738 832 413 media@itf.org.uk
