Abuse and Exploitation of Seafarers in the UK Fishing Industry

Since 2017, Stella Maris has been providing spiritual support to seafarers in the UK. However, the organization has also encountered cases of physical, mental, and racial abuse and exploitation among a minority of seafarers on British shores. Tim Hill, the chief executive of Stella Maris, highlighted that while most fishing firms and skippers treat their crews well, a minority subject seafarers to forced labor, abuse, and threats of violence, such as beatings with baseball bats. These exploited seafarers endure dreadful working conditions, including long hours, minimal rest time, and inadequate food and clean water.

One such case is that of Vishal Sharma, who arrived in England expecting to work on an oil tanker but ended up working long hours on a Scottish scallop dredger. After being recognized as a trafficking victim, Sharma was granted permission to stay in the UK to assist police in investigating alleged modern slavery in Scotland’s fishing fleet. However, when his leave to remain expired in 2023, Sharma sought asylum, which was ultimately rejected by the Home Office. Stella Maris expressed disappointment in the decision, emphasizing that returning to India would be unsafe for Sharma due to debt bondage.

Stella Maris is currently assisting seafarers in Northern Ireland who have escaped exploitation on a trawler and are helping local authorities pursue an investigation. The charity is advocating for a more humane asylum system and urging the government to expedite investigations into exploitation in the fishing sector. Tim Hill emphasized the importance of supporting seafarers, who play a crucial role in providing food while working in one of the world’s most dangerous industries.

Source