ITF Report Highlights Global Crisis due to Surge in Seafarer Abandonment

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has reported a significant increase in seafarer and vessel abandonment by ship owners in 2024, with Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia Pacific being the most affected regions. The number of seafarers abandoned by ship owners rose to 3,133 in 2024, compared to 1,676 cases in 2023. Additionally, the number of abandoned vessels increased to 312, reflecting a 136% rise from the previous year. The report highlighted that 28 ships were responsible for abandoning multiple crews, with some vessels being implicated in multiple incidents.

The ITF’s findings also revealed specific regions with high abandonment incidents. The Middle East recorded 108 abandonment cases, with the United Arab Emirates leading with 42 cases. In Europe, Türkiye had the highest number of incidents at 25, while India topped the list in the Asia Pacific region with 13 cases out of 62. Africa saw 34 abandonments, with Djibouti having nine incidents. Latin America and the Caribbean reported 19 incidents, with Brazil leading at five, and North America reported eight incidents, six of which were in the United States.

The report emphasized the alarming 87% increase in seafarer abandonment between 2023 and 2024, raising concerns about the exploitation and inhumane treatment of these workers. Seafarers are collectively owed $20.1 million in unpaid wages, with only $10.4 million recovered to date. The failure of the “Flags of Convenience” system was identified as a key driver of the crisis, with 90% of abandoned vessels in 2024 registered under such flags. The report detailed the harsh conditions faced by abandoned seafarers, including unpaid wages, inadequate provisions, and long work hours without proper rest.

The ITF Global Inspectorate Coordinator, Steve Trowsdale, highlighted factors contributing to the abandonment crisis, such as lack of enforcement from flag and port states, insufficient vessel insurance, and shipowners denying mistreatment of crew. Trowsdale expressed dismay at the record-high seafarer abandonment in 2024, calling it a betrayal of essential global trade workers. The report shared a distressing account of an Indian seafarer stranded on a tugboat for 15 months without pay, underscoring the urgent need for better regulation, enforcement, and accountability in the maritime industry.

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