On Monday, the Spanish rescue agency, Salvamento Maritimo, successfully rescued seven fishermen off A Coruña’s coast. The fishing vessel Abra de Muxia responded to a distress call after the crew of the Itoitz abandoned ship due to dangerous conditions. Fortunately, all crew members were unharmed during the operation.
The ITF has reported a troubling rise in seafarer abandonment by irresponsible shipowners, a situation likely to worsen without significant changes in the maritime industry. Professor Hilton Staniland of SRI emphasizes that while some shipowners are responsible, many exploit loopholes, leaving seafarers vulnerable and without adequate protections.
Fiji’s Maritime Safety Authority is under fire in Parliament as industry leaders criticize inadequate training and oversight. George Goundar, owner of Goundar Shipping, expressed concerns over seafarers receiving certifications without practical experience, jeopardizing safety. He questioned the legitimacy of engineering certificates and highlighted the impact of poorly trained crews on maritime safety.
Kenya’s Merchant Shipping Act of 2009 fails to protect abandoned seafarers, particularly on fishing vessels. Its narrow definition of ‘seafarer’ and outdated provisions neglect fishing crews, creating a two-tier system. Despite ratifying the ILO Work in Fishing Convention, the Act’s deficiencies persist, leaving fishers without enforceable rights and protections.
A Singapore court has sentenced the gas tanker captain Nguyen Duc Nghi to 14 months in prison for lying about a fatal incident in May 2024, which resulted in the death of seafarer Hoang Van Chau. Nghi concealed details and encouraged crew members to fabricate their accounts to authorities.
Effective maritime organizations understand that successful shore-based leaders often possess significant onboard experience. Designated Persons Ashore (DPAs) and Port Captains must grasp how decisions impact sea operations. As organizations grow, a disconnect may arise between shore teams and vessels, necessitating targeted training to align perspectives and enhance safety and efficiency.
Stranded off West Africa, Indonesian sailor Surono and his crew face a harrowing choice: return home empty-handed or remain aboard their abandoned vessel. With over $13,000 in unpaid wages, Surono’s family struggles financially. The International Transport Workers’ Federation intervenes, but uncertainty looms as they seek justice for the crew.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has informed the family of the missing seafarer and is providing necessary support. A fact-finding investigation is underway to ensure compliance with legal obligations. State minister Sampad Chandra Swain has urged Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal to expedite rescue efforts for Mohapatra.
The captain of a container ship, Vladimir Motin, was sentenced to six years in prison for gross negligence after a collision with a U.S. tanker resulted in the death of crew member Mark Pernia. Judge Andrew Baker criticized Motin for disabling alarm systems, deeming him an “accident waiting to happen.”
Eight Indian seafarers have been cleared for release from Iran following a court ruling, offering hope to their families. They were part of a group detained when the oil tanker M.T. Valiant Roar was seized on December 8, 2022, facing harsh conditions during their captivity.
A 22-year-old merchant navy cadet, Sarthak Mahapatra from Bhadrak, Odisha, has gone missing from the vessel EA Jersey while on duty in Malaysian waters. Last seen on February 3, an empty cabin was discovered during a routine check. Search operations are ongoing, with his mother appealing for urgent assistance.
Circle Digital Ventures has launched CDV Wealth, a revolutionary digital financial platform designed for seafarers. This tool enables secure and straightforward financial management worldwide. Key features include a multi-currency wallet, instant cross-border transfers, and a Visa Platinum debit card. CDV Wealth addresses cash dependence and streamlines payroll for shipowners.
Recent reports reveal troubling trends in the recruitment of seafarers, many of whom lose contact with their families for extended periods. One case highlighted a seafarer returning home with significant psychological trauma, reflecting a pattern of deceptive recruitment tactics that exploit economic vulnerabilities, emphasizing the urgent need for improved industry oversight and support.
On Monday morning, a merchant tanker rescued three individuals from a distressed sailboat 450 miles east of Daytona Beach, Florida. The Coast Guard received an EPIRB alert and dispatched an HC-130 aircraft. Despite severe conditions, the tanker Radiant Pride successfully evacuated the crew, showcasing the spirit of mutual aid at sea.
New Zealand has set a precedent by allocating port fees for seafarer welfare services during visits. Advocate Paul MacGillivary urges Australia to adopt this model to meet Maritime Labour Convention standards. With over 500,000 seafarers docking annually, enhanced funding for welfare services is crucial to support their mental health and well-being.
