Renthia Kaimbi
At least 15 foreign crew members, mostly Russian nationals, say they have been stuck at sea for months on the Venus 1 fishing vessel.
The crew shared a video on social media, asserting their inability to leave the vessel and the confiscation of their passports.
In the video, they appealed to the Russian Embassy in Namibia for help.
“We have been hostages of the current situation for five months: the ship-owner Hodago Fishing, which issued the employment contracts, actually lied to us,” read a loose translation of the video.
The claims have raised concern about the welfare of the crew and working conditions in the fishing sector.
The Russian Embassy in Namibia said it is aware of the situation and is engaging authorities to resolve the matter.
The vessel is operated by Hodago Fishing. The company rejected the claims made in the video.
It said reports that the crew have been abandoned or held against their will are “factually incorrect”.
Hodago said food and supplies have continued to reach the vessel. It confirmed that a payment was made earlier this month to support provisioning.
The company said some responsibilities, including documentation, fall under third-party contracts.
It said “misalignments” may have occurred and that it is working to resolve the issues.
Hodago also said it is facing financial and operational challenges linked to some of its business agreements. It said this has affected its ability to meet all obligations at the same time.
The company said it is prioritising crew welfare and business operations while working through a recovery process supported by funding discussions.
It said no employees have been retrenched and that directors have taken pay cuts.
Hodago also criticised some media reports, saying they were based on incomplete information and could affect ongoing investor discussions.
When contacted for comment, board chairperson Sedi Gaoseb referred questions to the company’s strategy and governance coordinator, Frieda Mutongolume.
“Speak to her; she will update you. Thank you. I am not aware of anything at this time, as I am in meetings for financing,” said Gaoseb.
Mutongolume had not responded at the time of publication.
