Wrongly Accused: Seafarers’ Fight Against Criminalization

For seafarers around the world, criminalization is not just a legal issue, it is a matter of life and death. Many seafarers have been wrongly accused of crimes they did not commit, leading to legal battles that have resulted in harsh prison sentences and a ruined reputation.

In recent years, seafarers and their advocates have stood up against this injustice and sought to protect the rights of those who work in this challenging industry.

One of the main problems seafarers face is the lack of clarity regarding certain maritime laws and regulations. With so many different countries and jurisdictions involved in global shipping, it can be difficult for seafarers to know what laws apply to them and how to deal with legal challenges when they arise. This can lead to misunderstandings and allegations of wrongdoing, often without clear evidence of actual criminal conduct.

A notable case of wrongful criminalization involved the crew of UBC Savannah, Captain Andrzej Lasota was arrested in Mexico after his crew found packets of cocaine on board the UBC Savannah. The entire crew was arrested for several weeks, but the Captain was found incarcerated without any due course or trial. Allegations of negligence were made against him for failing to be aware of the prohibited substances on board. In excess of 240 kgs of cocaine was discovered, buried under coal, when the Duty Officer noticed suspicious packages during unloading. Despite the lack of evidence of any involvement by the crew, they were all arrested and imprisoned.

This case is just one example of the challenges seafarers face when wrongly accused of criminal activity. Many of these cases have their roots in misunderstandings and miscommunications, as well as the complex and often unpredictable nature of international law of the sea.

However, seafarers and their advocates continue to fight for clarity and protection of their rights. Some of the initiatives being pursued by seafarers and their allies include efforts to educate the public about the challenges faced by those working in the shipping industry and advocating improved legal protections and understanding of relevant international laws .

There are also ongoing efforts to promote alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, such as mediation and arbitration, to resolve disputes before they escalate into full-blown litigation. Ultimately, tackling the unjust criminalization of seafarers is an ongoing battle that requires the cooperation and support of people around the world.

By raising awareness of these issues and working to improve legal protection and understanding, we can create a fairer and fairer global shipping industry that respects the rights and dignity of these hard-working professionals.