By The Canadian Press

Stranded crew receives load of Christmas cheer that includes pig, tree, presents

Dec 20, 2016 | 4:11 PM

SATURNA ISLAND, B.C. — A Christmas tree, a 20-kilogram pig and 90 kilograms of barbecue coals are part of a shipment of donated holiday cheer for the stranded crew of a 255-metre ship anchored for months off British Columbia’s coast.

Several maritime groups and members of Victoria’s Filipino community gathered up more than a tonne of Christmas provisions for the 16-member crew of the container ship the Hanjin Scarlet, anchored of Saturna Island, about 70 kilometres northeast of Victoria.

The South Korean and Filipino crew members on board have been sitting in the spot since August and aren’t sure when they’ll be able to return home as their ship is tied up as part of the international Hanjin shipping bankruptcy.

Sailor Romeo Cabacang from Manilla says he’s been on board for 10 months, but isn’t sure when he’ll be able to go to his family.

The South Korean ship’s captain, Jaewon Lee, says his crew is in good shape and is being paid while the bankruptcy issues are being resolved.

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Steve Hnatko, who represents a Vancouver area shipping service, says area mariners rallied widespread support to bring a massive load of Christmas spirit to the stranded crew. 

The Canadian Press