In 2024, the ITF reclaimed A$30.7 million in unpaid wages for seafarers, evidencing a troubling rise in labor rights violations on international cargo vessels. Despite AMSA’s inspections and bans, advocacy groups highlight the ongoing plight of these “invisible workers” facing harsh conditions, wage theft, and inadequate living standards.
Efforts are underway to salvage the Panamanian-flagged cargo ship MV Ultra Galaxy, which ran aground in a remote coastal area of South Africa. Salvage teams are facing adverse weather conditions to recover the ship’s cargo, including low-sulphur fuel and fertilizers. The crew was safely rescued, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.
The Federal navigation channel for Baltimore Harbor was fully restored just 76 days after the Dali ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The US Army Corp of Engineers confirmed the restoration of the 700-foot wide and 50-foot-deep channel after extensive underwater surveys. Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon commended the unified efforts that led to the reopening of the Federal Channel for port operations.
Salvage efforts for the MV Dali at Baltimore’s Key Bridge were halted due to the discovery of a high-pressure gas pipeline. The Army Corps of Engineers and the US Coast Guard prioritized channel opening, securing/removing the ship, and recovery operations. Resolve Marine heads the recovery, with concern over political pressure and safety delays.
Two weeks after an oil barge capsized near Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago officials are still working on recovery efforts. The barge, loaded with fuel oil, has caused a spill covering over 10 miles of beaches. International disaster recovery teams have been retained, and the police are investigating a bag of cocaine that washed ashore.
