From gambling to auction: Hong Kong court orders sale of casino ship in HK$3.8 million wage dispute
Crew expected to be paid from sale proceeds within 60 days of auction
A troubled casino cruise ship locked in a legal battle over HK$3.8 million in unpaid wages for its 46 crew will be put up for auction after the High Court ordered a judicial sale.
Mr Justice Peter Ng Kar-fai yesterday ordered that the 36-year-old New Imperial Star be evaluated by two appointed appraisers before being put on the block to pay the wages.
A source familiar with the case said the owner had run into financial difficulties as the attraction of casino cruises faded.
The crew – 20 from Ukraine, 18 from Myanmar and eight from the mainland – had been stranded on board since November for at least seven months after Arising International Holdings, owner of the vessel, failed to pay their wages and airfares.
The 33 who went home each received advance payments capped at US$4,000 from loans offered by various parties.