Seafarers worldwide are facing a worsening abandonment crisis, stuck on ships without pay, food, or essentials. This crisis, caused by dishonest owners and poor rules, leaves thousands of workers in tough situations, with some cases lasting years.
A Growing Humanitarian Crisis at Sea
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) reports a disturbing surge in seafarer abandonment cases. In 2025, over 2,280 seafarers on 222 vessels were abandoned, a significant increase from previous years. These individuals are often denied wages for months, left without adequate food, water, or medical support, and face deteriorating living conditions. Some desperate crews have resorted to writing messages on their ship’s hull to signal their plight.
Key Takeaways
- Soaring Abandonment Rates: The number of cases of seafarer and vessel abandonment has dramatically increased, more than doubling in recent years.
- Dire Conditions: Abandoned seafarers face severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, unpaid wages and deteriorating living conditions.
- Flags of Convenience: The “Flags of Convenience” (FOC) system is identified as a significant enabler of this crisis, allowing shipowners to operate with anonymity and evade accountability.
- Regional Hotspots: Africa, the Middle East, and Europe are identified as regions with the highest numbers of abandonment incidents.
- Financial Impact: Seafarers collectively owe millions of dollars in unpaid wages, with recovery efforts often proving challenging.
The Role of “Flags of Convenience”
A significant factor contributing to the escalating crisis is the widespread use of “Flags of Convenience” (FOCs). These registries allow vessels to be registered under jurisdictions with weak regulatory oversight, minimal taxation, and limited transparency. This system enables shipowners to evade their responsibilities, leaving crews vulnerable when financial difficulties arise. Reports indicate that most abandoned vessels are registered under FOCs, highlighting the need for reform in vessel registration systems.
Regional Impact and Calls for Action
The crisis is not confined to one region, with Africa, the Middle East, and Europe reporting the highest numbers of abandoned seafarers and vessels. The ITF urges international regulators, port states, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to take urgent action. This includes demanding greater accountability for shipowners, stricter penalties for abandonment, and improved enforcement of international maritime laws, such as the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).
The Human Cost of Abandonment
Beyond the statistics, the abandonment of seafarers represents a profound human rights issue. These maritime workers, who are the backbone of global trade, are often left stranded for extended periods, sometimes years, facing immense psychological and physical distress. Their home families also suffer, as their wages are crucial for their livelihoods. The ITF continues to work to recover unpaid wages and facilitate the repatriation of abandoned crews, but stresses that systemic change is urgently needed to prevent such exploitation.
Sources
- Abandoned crew scrawl their desperate plight along ship’s hull, Splash247.
- Abandoned Ships At Sea- A Worsening Crisis That, Marine News Magazine.
- Over 2,280 Seafarers Abandoned On 222 Vessels Without Pay Or Food So Far In 2025, Marine Insight.
- Africa, Middle East, Europe record highest abandoned seafarers, vessels, The Guardian Nigeria News.
- Record numbers of vessels abandoned, Splash247.
