By Chris Hardy

A CARGO ship at the centre of an investigation into the death of a Polish crew member has been detained in Montrose harbour.

The German-based MV Monika has been barred from leaving the port until the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Department of Transport have completed investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death and the seaworthiness of the vessel.

These investigations began when the Monika, bound for Montrose from Russia with a cargo of grain for Glencore Grains UK Ltd in Stracathro, docked 14 days ago and reported that the body of a 26-year-old Polish crewmember had been found in his bunk 24 hours earlier.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said it understood that a fungicidal phosfide gas was used to counter a minor infestation within the cargo while the ship was on passage from Russia. It is not unusual to undertake such an exercise in transit.

Tests have been carried out within the dead man’s cabin.

A spokesman for the Department of Transport has confirmed that a preliminary examination of the incident is under way.

The International Transport Workers Federation has also been called into the case. ITF inspector Norrie McVicar said yesterday that they were working with the crew.

“I believe a phosfide gas was involved and the ship had to be cleared.

“We are working with four crew members—three Filipinos and a Russian engineer—who have asked to be repatriated.”

He said crew members had made a number of allegations and there were issues that needed to be resolved.

“The dead man’s family will be supported by the ITF and we are trying to find out what happened,” he added.

“The company that owns the vessel is co-operating in all aspects.”

John Paterson, chief executive of Montrose Port Authority, said he did not know when the investigations would be completed and when the Monika would be allowed to depart.

“We are concerned about it and the crew, who were evacuated to local hotels but have since returned on board,” he added.