THE crew of a ship detained in the North-East over safety fears are being helped as they spend Christmas on board, thousands of miles away from their loved ones.

The Donald Duckling, a bulk carrier registered in Panama, has been ordered to stay at the Port of Tyne in South Shields until repairs can be carried out.

The ship, picking up scrap metal bound for Korea, was detained by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency last month after an inspection revealed a long list of mechanical and safety concerns.

Members of its 16-strong Filipino and Romanian crew are receiving support from the Mission to Seafarers in South Shields.

Dianne Erskine, the mission’s welfare officer, said: “Many people and organisations have been very kind in offering help and the crew is overwhelmed by the generosity and friendship they received.

“They are hoping that things might be resolved soon, but at this stage are planning to have a quiet Christmas together, with friends from the Philippine community in the North-East and other seafarers including some of the crew of the DFDS ferry who may be in the area at this time.

“They’ll be able to talk to their families by phone and it is this sort of support, the extras, that they are most appreciative of and we have been able to provide with the help of donations.

“The crew would just like to say thanks to everyone for their thoughts and good wishes and assure them that apart from the current uncertainty of their future, they have what they need for the time being.”

The Port of Tyne has provided a berth and power supplies to the ship so that the crew can live comfortably on board.

Through the Mission to Seafarers, the Port has made provision for the crew to be able to buy food, provisions, transport and mobile phone connections.