India’s Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has requested the Bombay High Court to expedite a third auction for the abandoned merchant vessel Sencer 1, which has been moored in Mumbai harbour since June 2025. This appeal follows the departure of five seafarers who had been stranded on board for nearly ten months under harsh conditions, including a lack of electricity. Their situation ended in May when a court ruling allowed them to leave the vessel, which was anchored about one nautical mile offshore.
The Sencer 1 has faced two unsuccessful auction attempts, held on July 14 and October 10, 2025. The National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) had previously sought court intervention due to the crew’s prolonged isolation and deteriorating living conditions. Initially, the crew was expected to be on board for only four weeks, but ongoing legal disputes extended their deployment significantly.
The vessel was abandoned in 2025 following a dispute over unpaid claims, leading to its arrest by the Bombay High Court. The court ordered an auction in June 2025, and after the crew’s repatriation, a new manning arrangement was implemented. The DGS has urged the court to replace the existing manning agent with Amaze Maritime Services, citing the crew’s extended deployment and adverse conditions.
The DGS has emphasized that a swift auction is crucial to prevent further deterioration of the vessel and to address outstanding maritime claims. The court has previously sought information on potential buyers, and the outcome of the upcoming auction will be pivotal in resolving the ongoing issues surrounding the Sencer 1.
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