Seven crew members of the MV Lady Bug set foot on land for the first time in 14 months, and headed to the GWU quarters in Valletta which is upholding their cause.

GWU's Tony Zarb said that the the union was in contact with the 22 member crew on a daily basis and was offering them solidarity and legal assistance.

The ship has been anchored 11 miles out of Malta since July of last year.

"We also want to take the occasion to warn Maltese owners of ships not to abuse foreign workers, " said Mr Zarb.

The crew will spend the rest of the day on land, and will go back to the vessel in the evening.

A similar day on land is planned for the rest of the crew next week, as, for logistical reasons, the ship cannot be left unmanned.

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