Four seafarers from Colombia, Panama, and Peru have been abandoned on a 60-year-old tugboat, the Wycliffe, in Puget Sound, Washington.
According to the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), the vessel recently changed its flag to Vanuatu, allowing it to circumvent stricter US labor and safety regulations. The crew is currently facing inadequate food, limited medical care, and insufficient water supplies, ITF reports.
ITF Inspector Cyrus Donato commented on the case, noting the impact of such practices on regional maritime systems. “The vessel’s re-flagging to Vanuatu is an example of how some ship owners use ‘flags of convenience’ to avoid more rigorous regulatory standards,” he said.
The seafarers were initially scheduled for deportation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, but their departure has been postponed following ITF intervention until their full wages are paid.
The Wycliffe has a history of issues, with previous crews leaving due to safety concerns and a recent loss of its tow contract with Washington State Ferries after a failed towing operation, ITF notes.
One seafarer currently aboard reported uncertainty about resolving their situation, while a former crew member expressed concerns about potential impacts on their visa status.
