The Russian crew of a Belize-registered freighter currently being detained in New Ross, Co Wexford, is said to be owed €65,000.
Ken Fleming of the International Transport Federation said the crew of the Lillian were living in the worst conditions he has yet encountered.
He also discovered they had not eaten properly in 21 days.
The 2,500-tonne freighter was detained after Midlands Steel in Mountmellick, Co Laois, obtained an injunction because the ship had failed to meet basic safety standards.
