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In response to media reports about the wage arrangement for crew affected by the cessation of business of Macao Dragon Company Limited, its takeover by the liquidator, and the arrest of the vessels, mv Tian Long and mv Shen Long by the Bailiff, a Marine Department spokesman today (October 6) gave the following response:
For a vessel arrested by court order, it is the normal practice that the plaintiff will provide a deposit to the court for the supply of rations, fuel and normal transportation to the seafarers still on board the vessel before the new owner takes over the vessel after auction. The wages and other benefits stated in the crew agreement for the seafarers will be settled from the proceeds of the auction once that has taken place.
The Marine Department remains ready to assist the seafarers' representatives in their dealings with the liquidator.
Ends/Thursday, October 6, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:16
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