- A crew member from an abandoned bulk carrier told Lloyd’s List that the situation has reached a critical point.
- The 19, mainly Indian, seafarers are feeling neglected and helpless, and suffering from depression.
- The situation on board a bulk carrier abandoned since July 2019, is bleak for the 19 seafarers left fighting for their rights and lives.
A recent news article published in the Lloyds List written by Nidaa Bakhsh reveals the plight of abandoned seafarers and lot more to help and create a state of balance in their life.
Situation critical on board
“The situation on board is very critical,” a crew member told Lloyd’s List. “Everybody is depressed and our families are suffering many problems because of no money.”
At this stage, the crew have not been paid, in some instances, for 12 to 18 months.
They are unfortunately not alone, as abandonment cases continue to mount, developing into a rather worrying trend.
26 cases of abandonment
So far this year, 26 cases of abandonment have been reported, according to the International Maritime Organization and International Labour Organization. A further eight that occurred in 2020 have been registered this year.
That compares with a total of 85 recorded in 2020, which is more than double the cases in 2019.
The cases, which involve hundreds of seafarers whose lives are in limbo while resolutions are found, are often complicated. While some are resolved in a timely fashion, others have dragged on for many years.
Ship owners primary responsibility
Primary responsibility for the welfare and wellbeing of seafarers lies with shipowners, according to the ILO.
Under the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, seafarers are considered abandoned when shipowners fail to cover the cost of the seafarers’ repatriation, leaves the seafarer without maintenance and support, or breaks ties with the seafarer, including failing to pay wages for at least two months.
Flag states must ensure there is a financial security system in place to assist seafarers in cases of abandonment.
If the flag state fails to repatriate seafarers, the port state may arrange for their repatriation and recover the cost from the flag state, the ILO said.
Labour supply countries
Labour supply countries also have responsibilities, including ensuring recruitment agencies have a system of protection to compensate seafarers when shipowners fail to meet their obligations, it added.
According to the International Transport Workers’ Federation union, each case “turns on its own facts”.
Some cases are resolved quickly following a report to the UN agencies, as P&I clubs generally want a swift resolution to reduce costs, said ITF’s seafarers’ section coordinator Fabrizio Barcellona.
Financial security
“However, some cases can take longer because the financial security has expired (or never existed) so the cost of repatriation will fall to the flag and/or crew may not be willing to leave the vessel without wages, which may require legal proceedings,” he said, adding that another common problem is that some port states will not allow the crew to leave without replacements being provided.
“When the owner has disappeared and a buyer cannot be found, or a mortgagee bank will not step in, there is no party prepared to pay the incoming crew. This means that the existing crew can be stuck for months.”
When was the bulker abandoned?
The bulk carrier was abandoned in Iran, in July 2019, according to a database run by the IMO and ILO, which has documented cases since 2004.
The 37,227 dwt vessel, which was carrying a clinker cargo, was reported abandoned by the ITF in September that year.
It was described as being in blackout with no fuel and with a constant lack of provisions.
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Source : Lloyds List
