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%, ITF 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.
Key findings showed:
- Owed wages from the 129 ITF reported cases in excess of $12.1 million.
- 1,676 seafarers contacted ITF from abandoned vessels.
- Indian seafarers were the most abandoned, with more than 400 cases.
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
According to ITF, the highest numbers of abandonments by flag state were:
| Flag state | Number of abandonments |
| Panama | 23 |
| Palau | 12 |
| Cameroon | 11 |
| St. Kitts & Nevis | 8 |
| Unknown | 8 |
| Comoros | 6 |
| Tanzania | 6 |
| Togo | 6 |
