Union officials are trying to pick through a “jurisdictional nightmare” in attempt to bring a stranded Highland sea cadet home.
Ruaridh Hanna from Beauly is stuck aboard the Hanjin Lousiana which is anchored off Singapore after the ship’s owners went into receivership.
The 22-year-old Merchant Navy cadet is stuck aboard with three other cadets from the City of Glasgow College and is one of around 2,500 seafarers around the globe affected by the collapse of South Korean firm Hanjin.
Several agencies have now moved into action in an attempt to get the cadets off the ship, which is at anchor in an area with a known risk of piracy.
The cadets have been in contact with maritime union Nautilus, which yesterday praised their “maturity” during what spokesman Andrew Linington described as a “baptism of fire” for the trainees.
He said one of the challenges had been trying to establish who was responsible for the ship, which is owned by the South Korean company and registered in Liberia, with around nine different nationalities represented on board.
Mr Linington said: “It’s a jurisdictional nightmare. Shipping is a hugely complicated industry and if ever there was a perfect situation for people to try and evade responsibility then this is the one.”
He said that they had been encouraged by “positive” signs from the flag state Liberia in the last few days and Mr Linington said the union was putting pressure on
Mr Linington added: “We are deeply concerned for these young lads.
“I have to say that that we spoke to them at length at the weekend and they are a great advert for the profession and are dealing with the situation very maturely but they are also trainees and very concerned and frustrated by their situation.
The cadets are studying with Clyde Marine Training, which said: “We currently have four cadets on board Hanjin Louisiana, which is at anchor off Singapore.
“We are in regular contact with both them and their families, and understand just how frustrating this situation is for them.
“Their wellbeing is of paramount importance, and we remain in close communication with all parties concerned in order to offer any practical assistance we can and to ensure that they are able to return home as soon as is possible.”
North MP Drew Hendry has written to Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson calling for him to intervene personally in the case.