The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has condemned what it describes as the worst case of serial seafarer abandonment in history, accusing Dubai-based Middle East Marine of neglecting over 100 seafarers aboard its vessels. The ITF has reported 17 cases of crew abandonment across 18 Palau-flagged vessels operating in Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka since November 2022.
Seafarers from various countries, including India, Indonesia, and Myanmar, have faced extreme hardships, such as dirty drinking water, insufficient food, withheld passports, denied medical attention, and unpaid wages. One Indonesian seafarer recounted the dire situation where the crew was forced to fish to survive while their families back home accumulated significant debts.
According to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, seafarers are entitled to be paid at least once a month. Those owed two months of wages or lacking basic necessities are deemed abandoned, prompting potential remedies from insurers and the relevant flag state—in this case, Palau. Despite the gravity of the situation, the ITF claims that Palau’s maritime authorities have not responded to their appeals.
ITF’s inspectorate coordinator, Steve Trowsdale, expressed deep concern for the affected crews, criticizing Middle East Marine’s conduct. He stated, “Seafarers’ lives are not collateral for any company,” underscoring the severe exploitation and poor conditions these workers face. Sandra Bernal, ITF’s network coordinator for the Asia Pacific region, echoed this sentiment, describing the circumstances as akin to modern-day indentured servitude, highlighting the absence of pay, living conditions, and legal protections.
The issue of seafarer abandonment is increasingly pressing, with the International Maritime Organization reporting 142 new cases in 2023, surpassing last year’s record of 109. Early indicators for 2024 suggest another challenging year is forthcoming. Steven Jones, founder of the Seafarers Happiness Index, noted the increasing prevalence of exploitation due to factors like fake flags and dark fleets, calling for a complete overhaul of the system to ensure seafarers’ protection and accountability for abusers.
The remainder of the maritime industry is currently grappling with several crises, including the impact of COVID-19, ongoing shipping issues in the Red Sea, and the resurgence of Somali piracy. Alarmingly, one in eight ships reportedly does not offer internet access to their crews, contributing to a brewing crewing crisis.
The labor market for seafarers is tightening, adversely affecting recruitment, retention, and manning costs. A recent study by UK consultancy Drewry highlighted challenges stemming from a diminished allure of maritime careers in traditional seafaring nations, hampering maritime academies’ ability to attract new students. Ian Beveridge, CEO of Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement, observed the decline in interest in maritime careers, complicating future workforce sustainability.
In summary, the ITF’s findings spotlight critical systemic issues within the maritime industry, underscoring urgent calls for reform to safeguard seafarers against exploitation and abandonment.
