Workers found living in appalling conditions on Cork tanker

An investigation was launched today after a number of Filipino seafarers were discovered living in appalling conditions on a boat in Co Cork.

The twelve men were found on board the Liberian registered tanker 'Lady Chiara' at Ringaskiddy by inspectors from the International Transport Federation.

They say the men were living in some of the worst conditions they have ever encountered with no fresh food and only contaminated water to drink.

SIPTU spokesman Padraig Yeates says a claim from the seafarers that they have not been paid properly is also being investigated.

“SIPTU officials were down there, and SIPTU members as well, and they said there was no way they were going to allow this vessel to discharge fully and leave the port until the basic needs of the crew were met,” he said.

“But the crew - predictably in this situation - are also complaining they haven't been paid properly for months either, so that's a separate issue.”