The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has shed light on the grim circumstances faced by the crew of the offshore support vessel Star Apollo, which has been stranded in Indonesia since October 2024. The ITF reports that this year has been the worst on record for seafarer abandonment, prompting the crew to take to social media to voice their dire situation.
In a poignant video shared by the ITF, 15 Indian crew members express their frustrations, holding signs that highlight their lack of proper food and the threats they face from ship managers over their unpaid wages. These crew members have not received payment for their work for four to eight months, totaling nearly $80,000 in unpaid wages, an issue the ITF is actively trying to resolve. The crew is appealing for assistance from Indian seafarer unions and the flag state of the vessel, demanding their overdue wages and safe return to India.
The Star Apollo, which was built in 2012, has been at the Batamec Shipyard since last year and is registered under St. Kitts & Nevis. Recently sold to a Mumbai-based company, its crew’s health and morale have declined significantly amidst their financial and physical hardships. ITF Global Inspectorate Coordinator Steve Trownsdale described the situation on social media, emphasizing the significant stress the unpaid wages have caused the crew.
The situation reflects a broader crisis in the maritime industry, as the ITF reported an alarming 87 percent increase in seafarer abandonment in 2024 compared to the previous year, affecting 3,313 seafarers across 312 vessels. Abandoned seafarers often face horrendous living conditions, including inadequate food and clean drinking water, along with extended periods of work without rest. Many find themselves stranded for months or even years at a time, exacerbating their plight.
Maritime regulations and the Maritime Labour Convention, overseen by the International Labour Organization, stipulate that flag states must intervene when seafarers are abandoned, ensuring their repatriation. However, many abandoned crew members hesitate to leave their vessels due to unresolved wage issues. The ITF has criticized the common lack of enforcement and responsiveness from flag and port states, inadequate vessel insurance, and the refusal of shipowners to acknowledge their crew’s mistreatment, all of which hinder the resolution of such cases.
In summary, the abandonment of seafarers poses significant human and legal challenges, raising urgent calls for better protections and accountability within the maritime industry. The plight of the Star Apollo crew is just one of many cases highlighting the growing crisis in seafarer abandonment, calling for immediate action from relevant stakeholders.
