Tag: abandonment of seafarers

Ship abandonment is one of the most difficult challenge seafarers could face, and the numbers of such cases are increasing lately.

Crew abandonments continue to be a major issue in shipping with the number of vessels listed on the international abandonment database rising from 34 in 2018, to 40 in 2019, to a record high of 85 in 2020, ITF reported.

Abandon ship drills are an important aspect to ensure safety onboard, even in times of crisis. While these drills are commonly taking place along with other drills, such as fire drills, knowing how to properly act when an abandon ship situation occurs can really save lives. For this reason, John Southam, Loss Prevention Executive, North P&I Club, shares vital information on how to ensure a safe and efficient abandon ship drill.

A total of 10 crew members have been abandoned onboard the Tanzanian-flagged general cargo ship MV Jinan in the Kenyan port of Mombasa, since October 2019. 

Humans Rights At Sea, in partnership with ReedSmith, issued a report on seafarer abandonment, providing guidance to seafarers on how to respond in such cases and where to get help.

The Chief Mate Mohammad Aisha has finally boarded an airplane to return to his country, Syria, ending a four-year battle where he was forced to live on an abandoned ship in the Suez Canal.

IMO and Human Rights at Sea discussed the ongoing issue and rising cases of abandoned seafarers globally.

A total of 19 crew members onboard the Tanzanian-flagged bulk carrier MV AIZDIHAR are abandoned for over 14 months off Bander Abbas, Iran, according to Human Rights at Sea. 

When the general cargo ship the MV Aman was detained at the Suez anchorage in Egypt in July 2017, chief officer Mohammad Aisha had only been on board for two months. However, he is still on board now, after four years.

Five seafarers have been abandoned off the coast of Umm Al Quwain, in the United Arab Emirates, while also they haven't received their wages for 32 months and are unable to go ashore for not having the right documents.