Growing Number of Abandoned Ships Leaves Seafarers Stranded Worldwide
A rising trend of ship abandonment prompts serious concerns for maritime workers, with recent data from the United Nations indicating an alarming increase in cases. In 2024, over 3,000 seafarers found themselves stranded aboard approximately 230 abandoned vessels, marking a doubling of incidents in just three years.
Abandoned crew members often lack access to basic necessities, such as food, water, and means to return home, with many going unpaid for months or even years. The situation has escalated, particularly affecting smaller shipping lines operating in less profitable routes. Countries like the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia have been identified as hotspots for abandonment cases.
According to Helen Meldrum from the International Transport Workers’ Federation, shipowners frequently cease payments when faced with rising operational costs, leaving crews in dire conditions aboard decrepit ships. Reports detail egregious living situations, including crew members existing without adequate supplies or being confined for extended periods without receiving wages.
Amid these hardships, organizations like the International Transport Workers’ Federation are advocating for better protections and support for affected maritime workers. They emphasize the need for authorities to intervene and ensure that stranded seafarers receive essential provisions and assistance in returning home.
Despite global regulations aimed at safeguarding workers' rights, enforcement remains inadequate as many ships are registered under obscure companies, complicating accountability. The ongoing crisis highlights significant issues in the shipping industry, exacerbated by economic pressures and overshadowed by the challenges posed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
