Four of the five Ukrainian crew members aboard the MV Hondius will remain on the ship to guide it to the Netherlands following a hantavirus outbreak that claimed three lives. The healthy crew members will undergo medical supervision and quarantine upon arrival, while the fifth member will be evacuated on a special flight.
A video from a Ukrainian seafarer aboard the CMA CGM San Antonio shows the aftermath of a missile or drone attack in the Strait of Hormuz on May 5. Eight Filipino crew members were injured. The seafarer described the chaos, stating, “drones flew in and beat the hell out of us.”
Twenty-four Filipino crew members from the MV Hondius will disembark in Spain due to a hantavirus outbreak, followed by a 42-day quarantine in the Netherlands. Four crew members will leave on May 10, while the rest will depart on May 11, ensuring their health and safety before returning home.
The primary concern for the 20,000 seafarers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz is not food or water, but fear of missile strikes. This constant threat, coupled with isolation and anxiety, has severely impacted their mental health. Captains report living under psychological strain, as feelings of helplessness pervade their days.
Seafarers in the Gulf are enduring severe mental distress amid the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict. Stranded and facing imminent danger from drones and missiles, their psychological toll is profound. Families at home experience anxiety due to disrupted communication, while maritime charities strive to provide essential mental health support and resources.
The Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI) has launched a comprehensive mapping of crew welfare and safety data to better understand maritime risks linked to human factors. Funded by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, the initiative reveals fragmented data usage, misclassification of fatigue as human error, and a lack of shared Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
The Department of Migrant Workers confirmed that seven Filipino seafarers were injured in an Iranian drone attack on the CMA CGM San Antonio. Four sustained minor injuries, while three are stable. Philippine officials are monitoring their condition and coordinating with hospital authorities to ensure their well-being during this critical time.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has banned Formosa Plastics Marine Corporation for underpaying crew members on the bulk carrier FPMC B Forever. An inspection revealed nearly A$15,000 in wage violations and illegal charges for potable water. AMSA warns that such practices will incur severe penalties and future scrutiny.
The Q1 2026 Seafarers Happiness Index reveals a troubling decline in seafarer well-being, dropping from 7.35 to 7.01 following conflict in the Persian Gulf. Conditions are dire, with food and water shortages reported. Workload management has worsened, and stagnant wages contribute to a looming recruitment crisis among younger seafarers.
In a landmark decision, the Bombay High Court ordered the release of 50 seafarers stranded on detained vessels off Mumbai. The court condemned the ship owners for subjecting the crew to “dehumanizing” conditions, highlighting their survival on just 300 ml of water daily. Prioritizing human rights, the court emphasized the crew’s well-being over commercial interests.
Health authorities have confirmed that all 38 Filipino crew members aboard the cruise ship Hondius are safe and have tested negative for hantavirus. Albert Domingo, spokesperson for the Philippine Department of Health, assured the public during a briefing that there are no reported infections among the crew, thanks to collaboration with the WHO.
The Bombay High Court expressed serious concerns for the safety of 50 Indian crew members stranded on three vessels in the Arabian Sea. The crew, stuck since February due to police intervention, reported dwindling food and water supplies. The court ordered state authorities to provide urgent assistance while addressing the ship owners’ abandonment.
The Afghan Voice Agency reported that the 22 crew members of the Tusca ship, transferred to Pakistan, will be handed over to Iranian authorities today. This follows their detention by US forces and is part of efforts to resolve ongoing maritime tensions in the region.
On June 21, 2024, the Aratere ferry ran aground en route from Picton to Wellington, prompting an investigation by Maritime NZ. Findings revealed a critical knowledge gap in the crew’s understanding of the steering console. KiwiRail faced a $400,000 fine after acknowledging violations of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
A recent survey by Human Rights at Sea reveals significant underfunding in seafarer support across Australia. With over 500,000 seafarers visiting annually, many welfare centers rely on volunteer efforts, limiting service hours. Advocates stress the urgent need for better funding to enhance support services and improve overall welfare for seafarers.
