- Thousands of crew members are left stranded on vessels without pay, food, or a way home.
- Seafarer abandonment increased by 135% in 2024, affecting over 3,000 workers globally.
- Maritime organizations push for stricter laws to prevent exploitation and unpaid wages.
Thousands of seafarers, the backbone of global trade, remain trapped on vessels without pay or proper resources. Due to legal loopholes and financial disputes, they are unable to return home, facing food and water shortages while waiting for wages that may never come. The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) calls this issue a “cancer” of the industry, urging stronger protections for maritime workers, reports The Guardian.
The Rising Crisis of Abandonment
According to the ILO/IMO Joint Database on Abandonment of Seafarers, cases of stranded seafarers increased by 135% in 2024, affecting over 3,000 crew members worldwide. Reports show that:
- 312 vessels were abandoned in 2024, compared to 132 in 2023.
- The Middle East had the highest number of abandoned ships (108 cases).
- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) led with 42 abandoned vessels, followed by Turkey with 25.
Trapped Without Pay or Resources
Abandoned crew members face months without salaries, leading to financial ruin for their families.
Many rely on charities and unions for food and water and lack access to medical care. Some seafarers report living on just one portion of noodles or rice every two days due to supply shortages.
Legal Loopholes and “Flags of Convenience”
Many stranded vessels operate under “flags of convenience”, where shipowners register ships in countries with looser labor laws.
This makes it difficult to hold employers accountable for unpaid wages and unsafe conditions. Panama and Palau are among the most common flag-of-convenience registries.
The Role of Maritime Organizations
The ITF and other industry bodies are actively working to recover unpaid wages and repatriate seafarers.
In 2024, they successfully reclaimed $10.4 million in wages, but $20 million remains unpaid. The organization warns that without stricter enforcement, the problem will only grow.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Reform
The global shipping industry relies on millions of seafarers, so ensuring fair treatment and legal protection is crucial.
Governments and maritime authorities must strengthen international policies to prevent future abandonment and exploitation at sea.
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Source: The Guardian
