Brazilian Authorities Investigate 'Slave-Like' Conditions on Drifting Workboat
Brazilian authorities are investigating a pollution control vessel, Latifa, found drifting off the coast of Amapa. The crew, consisting of one Belgian national and seven Venezuelans, reported 'slave-like' working conditions, including food shortages, lack of drinking water, and unhygienic living conditions. The vessel, built in 1945 and recently reflagged to Tanzania, had been drifting for over 20 days due to a propulsion failure. The Brazilian Labor Prosecutor's Office is working with other agencies to provide social support to the crew while the investigation continues.