Kenya’s Merchant Shipping Act of 2009 fails to protect abandoned seafarers, particularly on fishing vessels. Its narrow definition of ‘seafarer’ and outdated provisions neglect fishing crews, creating a two-tier system. Despite ratifying the ILO Work in Fishing Convention, the Act’s deficiencies persist, leaving fishers without enforceable rights and protections.
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.
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) reports that Indian seafarers are the most abandoned nationality, with 411 cases recorded so far in 2024. Two vessels in the UAE have all-Indian crew members abandoned in extreme conditions, highlighting the urgent need for attention to the plight of seafarers worldwide.
