The Asian Shipowners Association (ASA) has expressed concern about the increasing number of seafarers being detained in foreign countries. This issue was highlighted on the one-year anniversary of the 25-member crew of the Galaxy Leader being held hostage on November 19, 2023. The ASA’s Ship Insurance and Liability Committee noted that many seafarers are being locked up without clear evidence or proper legal reasons. These individuals often face emotional and financial hardships while stuck in foreign countries for extended periods, especially in places where local legal systems struggle to handle maritime issues effectively.
One example shared by the committee is that of Captain Yu Yihai, a Chinese ship captain who was detained in Honduras for over two years. Despite his ship being found with bags of cocaine, he was never formally charged with a crime. However, he remained in prison until his release in August 2023 following intervention from shipping and labor organizations. The committee emphasized that each case of detention involves real people facing significant challenges, with families being torn apart and seafarers’ futures left uncertain.
To address these issues, the committee proposed three solutions: raising awareness by sharing these stories globally to pressure governments to take action, advocating for fair legal processes for seafarers in all countries, and building stronger support networks to assist seafarers in difficult situations. The ASA called on the entire maritime industry, shipping companies, international organizations, and governments to come together to defend seafarers’ rights, emphasizing that this is not just a legal issue but a human rights issue that requires immediate attention.
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