Portugal-flagged tug INDEPENDENCE is stranded in Ceuta, Spain, since Feb 2, obviously abandoned. 8 crew consists of Indonesian and Ukrainian nationalities, with at least four months wage debts. Local charities help the crew with food and water, ship’s own supplies ran out long time ago. Portugal authorities became aware of crew’s plight, Portugal Consulate and will provide crew with food and water. Italian owner understood to avoid contact. Lawyers said vessel may be auctioned. Indonesian Embassy said to assist seafafrers repatriation.
