New data from the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) shows that there was a concerning uptick in the number of abandoned seafarers in 2023.

A total of 132 abandonments were reported which is 13 more than in 2022 – an increase of 10.92%, ATF notes. The overwhelming majority of those reports (129) were made by the ITF. Furthermore, ITF reports they have received more than $10.9 million in owed wages from 60 of these vessels so far. The final figure will exceed $12.1 million as cases take time to resolve and as other seafarers come forward, thereby increasing the amount of recoverable wages.

Under the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (‘MLC’), seafarers are deemed to have been abandoned if the shipowner fails to cover the cost of a seafarer’s repatriation; or has left them without the necessary maintenance and support; or has otherwise unilaterally severed ties with them, including their failure to pay the seafarers’ contractual wages for a period of at least two months.

"Seafarers and their families pay the ultimate price for the greed and non-compliance of ship owners, enduring the inhuman consequences of a system that compromises their well-being, dignity and basic human rights." said Steve Trowsdale, ITF Inspectorate Coordinator.

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	Issue 88 of Robban Assafina (Nov./ Dec. 2023)