Russian fishermen ‘left stranded’ on vessel

About 15 foreign crew members of the Venus fishing vessel, which belongs to Hodago Fishing, allege that they have been stuck on the ship for months, without pay.

In a video circulating on social media last week, the fishermen said 13 of the approximately 15 crew members are citizens of the Russian Federation.

“We have been hostages of the current situation for five months. The ship owner, Hodago Fishing, which issued the employment contracts, actually lied to us," the crew alleged.

They claimed that "on 29 December 2025, under pressure from Daron Agency and Hodago Fishing, after a short repair and, in fact, on an emergency vessel, they forced us to go fishing, promising to make payments to us upon the vessel’s arrival in port."

From 29 December to 20 January, the vessel produced about 600 tonnes of frozen fish, they added.

"After unloading the fish products to the storehouse, it became clear that they were not going to pay the crew," they claimed.

The workers explained that they had to seek help from the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF).

“With the assistance of an ITF inspector from South Africa, the vessel was arrested," they said.

"Over the past two months, Hodago Fishing has continued to promise payment and repatriation, delaying legal proceedings that could see the vessel auctioned to repay debts owed to the crew," they alleged.

The fishermen said that their provisions have run out twice over the last two months on the ship.

“Only after contacting the consul of the Russian Federation did we receive supplies, but these amounted to just 30% of what was requested. At present, there are no provisions on board, and only about one week of fuel remains to maintain electricity.”

The crew also allege their passports were taken upon arrival.

“Our passports were taken under the pretext of work visas, and their whereabouts remain unknown. We are effectively hostages and call for intervention, including from the president of Namibia," they pleaded.

Hodago denies allegations

In response, Hodago Fishing issued a statement, rejecting the allegations made by the crew members of Venus 1.

“We categorically reject characterisations that crew members aboard the Venus 1 have been abandoned or are being held against their will," the company stated.

"Food and essential provisions have been supplied to the vessel. On 1 April 2025, a confirmed payment was made to ensure provisioning of the crew. Quantities delivered reflect an updated assessment of existing onboard supplies, a standard logistical determination and not a reduction in the company’s commitment to crew welfare," the statement read.

It added that some crew-related logistics, including documentation, fall under third-party contractors.

"Where misalignments have occurred in the execution of those responsibilities, Hodago Fishing is actively engaging the relevant parties to ensure resolution. The welfare of all crew members remains a primary operational priority," the company stated.

"The company continues to monitor the situation closely and remains responsive to any evolving needs on the ground.”

Hodago added that the company is currently navigating a period of significant operational constraint.

“This arises from a combination of commercial arrangement challenges and misalignments and deficiencies in the execution of agreed obligations within certain third-party managed arrangements. These matters are actively under review and are being addressed through ongoing funding engagements and a structured business recovery process. This is a temporary constraint, not an indicator of institutional failure.”

Hodago said a comprehensive recovery strategy is in place, and the company is actively engaged with prospective funding partners and strategic stakeholders to restore full operational capacity.”

Under pressure

The company added that it is also affected by delayed and partial financial obligations from contracted parties.

“These constraints have impacted our ability to meet all commitments simultaneously and have required reprioritisation towards critical operational and humanitarian obligations, including crew welfare and business continuity.”

It said that despite the "pressure", no retrenchments have been implemented.

“Namibian employees, including seafarers, vessel crew, and administrative staff, remain in employment. The directors of the company have voluntarily reduced their own remuneration as a demonstrable commitment to protecting the broader workforce during this period."

Hodago added that funding negotiations are ongoing, recovery initiatives are active, and management is confident that, with the continued cooperation of all stakeholders, a sustainable resolution is achievable within a defined timeframe.

Reporting

Hodago Fishing also criticised recent reporting, saying it was based on incomplete information and did not reflect the full context.

"Unverified or incomplete reporting on complex commercial matters carries a measurable risk of misrepresentation, one that, in this instance, has the potential to materially undermine active investor engagements and delay critical funding processes, to the direct detriment of employees, creditors, and other stakeholders whose interests such reporting may seek to serve.”

It added that the company is executing a structured recovery plan with deliberation and urgency.

“We ask all stakeholders for continued patience and constructive engagement as this process is brought to conclusion.”

The Russian embassy in Namibia also indicated that they are aware of the current situation involving the crew of Venus 1 and are working with the relevant authorities to resolve the issue.