As a controlled explosion rocked the Dali on Monday, nearly two dozen sailors remained on board, safely tucked away below deck in the massive ship’s hull.

Among those who have been in touch with the crew is Joshua Messick, executive director of the Baltimore International Seafarers’ Center, a non-profit organisation that works to protect the rights of mariners.

“They can’t do any online banking. They can’t pay their bills at home. They don’t have any of their data or anyone’s contact information, so they’re really isolated right now,” Mr Messick said. “They just can’t reach out to the folks they need to, or even look at pictures of their children before they go to sleep. It’s really a sad situation.”

Dave Heindel, the president of the Seafarers International Union, said that “however long the investigation takes, the crew’s rights and welfare should not be infringed upon”.

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