Dutch ship allowed to dock in Gibraltar after 8 weeks' wait

Dutch freighter MS Pioneer was finally allowed to dock at the port of Gibraltar. The ship was anchored off the coast for almost two months because the ship's owner Flinter went bankrupt and could not pay the docking fees. Eleven crew members were stuck on the ship all that time, NOS reports.

MS Pioneer was taken over by a new operator, Duo Ship. The company paid the docking fees and the ship will be allowed to dock. In the mean time, provisions and fuel were sent on board. "And a new crew is coming to relieve this crew, so that they can be home for Christmas", a spokesperson said to the broadcaster.

Later today two Duo Ship employees will board the freighter to "arrange 1001 things". The salary arrears will also be paid today. After that, the company hopes to quickly return the ship to the Netherlands, as leaving it in the harbor only costs money.