Roman Vostryakov said The Magdalena, which is owned by a German company and flies the flag of Antigua and Barbuda, broke down in early August and has since been anchored off the coast of the United Arab Emirates with its 5,300 tons of cargo, RIA Novosti reported Wednesday.
Vostryakov said he wants the ship impounded to force its owners to pay the $230,000 owed to the crew for more than five months of work.
"All that we ask for is to receive our wages and return home," Vostryakov said.
The captain, who previously requested international aid when the ship began running low on supplies, said food has been delivered to the crew and fresh water is expected soon. However, he said five of the 16 crew members are carrying out a hunger strike to protest the unpaid wages.
Copyright 2009 by United Press International.
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