Fourteen seafarers of Mexican origin have been stranded in the port of Trois-Rivières, some for more than three months, because Transport Canada did not authorize the departure of three old tugboats that they had taken possession of to take them to Guyana.
These sailors, despite the rather uncomfortable conditions they have to contend with, make up for the bad luck of those who live aboard tugboats. Heating by a generator motor is insufficient. In addition, it was decided to connect the boats to shore sockets for better energy supply.
“I arrived at the beginning of November. I will stay as long as the company asks me to,” said sailor Daniel Azucra Gonzalez.
His colleague is quite surprised by the hardships of the winter. “We know that temperatures at this time of year are very low for us, coming from countries that don’t know the cold. At the moment the comfort inside is fine,” added Maurizio Pizano De La Cruz.
Sailors have suitable working clothes, but the situation is different when they have to leave the port area. You then need to get help and other winter clothing.
“The Mexicans are practically abandoned. They’ve been there for several months. You have no resources. Most only speak Spanish. That’s why we offer you an escort service in the evening. They come for a little comfort and they really appreciate their presence in the Marin foyer almost every night,” said the organization’s director, Paul Racette.
The condition of the three tugs does not allow them to sail at sea, and two of them are also unable to navigate in ice. The controls on board increase and repairs become necessary.