- Calls to ISWAN’s SeafarerHelp helpline in early 2024 showed a sharp increase in cases of abandonment (150%), mental health concerns (17%), and abuse or discrimination (28%) compared to 2023.
- Abandonment cases often involved unpaid wages, lack of provisions, and fraudulent recruitment practices.
- Mental health concerns frequently stemmed from financial struggles, family issues, and excessive work hours.
- YachtCrewHelp data highlighted contractual challenges in the yachting industry.
The first half of 2024 has revealed alarming trends in seafarer welfare, with ISWAN’s SeafarerHelp helpline receiving increased calls regarding abandonment, mental health concerns, and workplace abuse. Amid global attention on maritime crises like Red Sea attacks and high-profile incidents, these statistics shed light on less visible but deeply concerning issues faced by seafarers and yacht crew, reports ISWAN.
Rising Welfare Concerns for Seafarers
Data from ISWAN’s SeafarerHelp helpline revealed a 150% surge in abandonment cases in the first half of 2024, with 227 seafarers in 25 cases left unpaid and without essential provisions.
Many seafarers had fallen victim to fraudulent recruitment practices, underscoring the need to address systemic issues in the maritime industry.
Mental Health Struggles Intensify
Mental health-related contacts rose by 17%, with 109 seafarers seeking help for anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
Stressors included family financial struggles, relationship difficulties, and workplace challenges such as excessive work hours and fear of errors. Fifteen cases involved suicide ideation, more than double the figure from 2023.
Abuse and Discrimination on the Rise
Reports of abuse, bullying, harassment, discrimination, and violence (ABHDV) increased by 28%, with 92 contacts during the period.
Seafarers cited incidents of bullying by senior officers, discrimination based on nationality or religion, and denial of medical care.
Yachting Industry Challenges
Data from YachtCrewHelp, ISWAN’s helpline for yacht crews, showed that 23% of all reported issues were contractual. It included unfair dismissal, unpaid wages, and repatriation problems.
These findings highlight the unique challenges faced by yacht crews in the maritime sector.
Call for Action and Inclusive Cultures
Simon Grainge, ISWAN’s Chief Executive, emphasized the need to address the rising welfare challenges and to build inclusive, supportive work environments for seafarers.
He called for greater efforts to prevent violations of seafarers’ rights and ensure their health and well-being are prioritized amid broader industry crises like decarbonization and geopolitical tensions.
Looking Ahead
ISWAN plans to release its full-year 2024 data in the New Year, offering further insights into the challenges seafarers and their families face.
This data will serve as a foundation for advocating better welfare policies and practices in the maritime sector.
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Source: ISWAN
