Stranded off West Africa, Indonesian sailor Surono and his crew face a harrowing choice: return home empty-handed or remain aboard their abandoned vessel. With over $13,000 in unpaid wages, Surono’s family struggles financially. The International Transport Workers’ Federation intervenes, but uncertainty looms as they seek justice for the crew.
The Director General of Maritime Administration plans to blacklist 86 foreign ships linked to the abandonment of Indian seafarers. This move aims to address human rights issues and enforce compliance among Recruitment and Placement Services License holders, ensuring repatriation and wage settlement for affected seafarers, amidst rising concerns in the shipping industry.
Indian seafarers constitute the largest group of abandoned crew globally, with 899 out of 3,133 reported cases in 2024. Many remain stranded for months on vessels like the Anka cargo ship, facing dire conditions. The prevalence of “flags of convenience” complicates accountability, highlighting the urgent need for better regulatory oversight.
Philippine authorities worked with local crewing agencies to resolve a pay dispute involving a crew stranded on a cargo ship in the Iloilo Strait. The crew, facing unpaid wages and provisions, refused to sail due to safety concerns. Intervention led to the repatriation of six Filipino crew members for medical evaluation.
Turkish authorities have confirmed the safety of the crew of a Turkish-owned cargo ship after a collision with a bulker off the coast of Iran. The crew was rescued from a life raft, with no injuries reported. Prompt rescue efforts were coordinated to ensure the safety of the crew and prevent further damage to the vessels.
