Four Indian sailors, stranded for ten months on the abandoned AZRA C off Turkey, have been rescued, confirmed by the ITF. The crew faced worsening conditions after the ship’s owners were arrested during a drug bust. This incident highlights the alarming rise in global seafarer abandonment, particularly affecting Indian nationals.
Filipino seafarers face ongoing abandonment and abuse, often accepting these as norms due to fear of job loss. At the International Conference on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Captain Jasmin Labarda emphasized that many remain silent, fearing disbelief or retaliation. The Manila Declaration seeks to uphold maritime workers’ rights and enhance accountability.
The crew of the offshore support vessel Star Apollo, stranded in Indonesia since October 2024, is facing unpaid wages and poor living conditions. With the help of the ITF, they are seeking assistance to return to India. The escalating issue of seafarer abandonment highlights the need for better enforcement of maritime regulations to protect vulnerable crew members.
A crew member shared a terrifying ordeal when their ship was hit by the Solong, which continued to collide for what felt like an eternity. With no one on the other vessel’s bridge, flames erupted, prompting the crew to don protective gear and fight the fire. Despite the chaos, their quick response and training saved lives.
The Philippines Department of Migrant Workers is committed to enforcing the Magna Carta for Seafarers to protect them from abandonment. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has instructed the department to uphold seafarers’ rights, emphasizing the importance of following international regulations. Efforts are being made to address crew welfare and ensure payment of wages for abandoned seafarers.
Companies going bankrupt and workers losing their jobs is common in capitalist societies. However, abandoned ships present a different scenario. When a ship is left in a foreign port with no support, dwindling supplies, and services shutting down, it signifies a complex situation. Crewmembers are left in uncertainty, relying on welfare agencies.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is pursuing legal action against a manning agency for abandoning four Filipino seafarers in San Diego. Secretary Hans Cacdac highlighted the vulnerability of seafarers in the fishing industry and vowed to hold the agency accountable. The DMW also plans to enhance protections for OFW fishers this year.
The latest Seafarers Happiness Index reveals a troubling decline in seafarers’ morale due to isolation and workload challenges. Compounded by record abandonment rates, it’s crucial for the maritime industry to prioritize the welfare of seafarers. Addressing these issues is vital for improving their overall well-being and ensuring a sustainable future for maritime operations.
Cases of crew abandonment reached a new alarming high last year, more than doubling from the record levels of 2023. Data from the International Maritime Organization revealed 310 cases of crew abandonment in 2024, a significant increase of 118% from the previous year. Experts attribute this rise to the growth of the shadow fleet.
