UPDATE: Notorious Vega Auriga Detained in Tauranga

Container ship Vega Auriga, banned by Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) from using or entering any Australian ports due to repeated breaches relating to seafarer welfare and maintenance of the ship, is being detained at the Port of Tauranga.

 The ship cannot leave the port until all 11 of its deficiencies are resolved, according to Maritime New Zealand, a Crown entity responsible for protecting the maritime environment within New Zealand.

Maritime New Zealand boarded the vessel yesterday for inspection and found 14 deficiencies, out of which 11 have to be rectified, as explained by Maritime New Zealand spokeswoman Sarah Brazil.

The deficiencies concern maintenance, seaworthiness and crew rest periods.

The Vega Auriga, sailing under Liberian flag, has been detained by AMSA on three occasions since 25 July 2013 with repeated concerns for the welfare of the crew, including improper payment of wages, inadequate living and working conditions and inadequate maintenance resulting in an unseaworthy and substandard vessel.

The container ship is owned and managed by Vega-Reederei.

[mappress]
World Maritime News Staff, September 01, 2014; Image: Vega Manila Crew Management