- Stowaway incidents continue to occur frequently at West African ports despite repeated inspections.
- Hidden boarding locations and inspection gaps remain the main challenges for crews.
- Repatriation is costly, time-consuming, and can expose vessels to fines and delays.
Recent stowaway cases during 2025 show that vessels calling at West African ports remain highly exposed, even when multiple inspections are carried out before departure. In several instances, stowaways were only discovered days later at anchorages or after arrival at the next port, highlighting how difficult complete prevention remains in practice.
Common Hiding Areas and How Stowaways Board
Investigations show that stowaways often hide in locations that are easy to miss during routine checks. These include crane control rooms, lifeboats, rudder trunks, steering gear spaces, and deck ladders. In some cases, boarding took place late at night or during cargo operations, when port security controls were weakest.
Repatriation Brings Cost and Operational Risk
Once discovered, stowaways must be reported immediately to shore authorities and arrangements made for repatriation. This process can involve visas, escorts, medical checks, accommodation, fines, and advance payments before disembarkation is permitted. When multiple stowaways are involved, costs rise sharply, and vessels may face delays or temporary detention.
Prevention Remains the Best Defence
These cases underline that inspections alone are not always enough. Crews operating in high-risk ports should carry out thorough, repeated checks, pay close attention to rarely accessed spaces, and maintain strict access control during port stays. Preventive vigilance remains far more effective than dealing with the consequences after discovery.
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Source – Safety4Sea
