THE saga of the stranded ship, whose Russian crew was left high and dry after it was impounded, has been resolved.

Following its journey from the Black Sea, carrying ammonium nitrate, the Vismark Gloria was detained on the River Tees, at Stockton.

The rare step was taken by the admiralty marshal, because of a dispute between the ship's owners and charterers.

Another setback followed, when scrutiny by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency showed the ship was unsafe.

A survey prompted by its poor maintenance record found it was not totally watertight, its charts were outdated and its equipment for receiving warnings did not work.

For more than a month, the 18 crew members were left without money or food, while the impasse dragged on.

Now, thanks to the help of local seaman's missions, and intervention by the International Transportworkers' Federation (ITF), the situation has been resolved.

Brian Allan, the regional ITF inspector, agreed to champion the crew's claim for outstanding wages and, a few days before Christmas, was able to offer flights home.

The five who volunteered to stay on until the ship is sold now have proper contracts, and receive their wages in full.

Rosi Heimer, the German port chaplain who helped organise donations for the sailors, expressed her thanks to everyone who contributed.