Adrift and Unpaid: An Analysis of the Seafarer Abandonment Crisis and the International Response
An Overlooked Humanitarian Crisis
Thousands of seafarers are abandoned each year in foreign ports, left without wages, food, or a way home. This interactive report explores the definition, causes, and international protections surrounding this critical issue.
What is 'Abandonment'?
Abandonment occurs when a shipowner fails their fundamental duties to the crew. The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006) considers a seafarer abandoned if the shipowner fails to cover repatriation costs, leaves them without necessary support, or severs ties with them.
Stranded in Port
The shipowner fails to pay for the seafarer's journey home (repatriation), leaving them stranded far from their families and country.
Deprived of Support
The owner ceases to provide essentials like adequate food, water, fuel for survival, and payment of outstanding wages.
Severed Ties
The shipowner unilaterally severs their connection with the crew, effectively disowning their responsibilities towards them.
A Rising Tide: Why Seafarers are Abandoned
The number of abandonment cases is increasing globally. The primary drivers are often financial pressures on shipowners, leading them to cut costs and, in worst-case scenarios, desert their crews. Explore the main causes below by clicking on the bars in the chart.
Click on a bar above to see a detailed explanation of the cause.
A Global Crisis in Numbers
The trend of reported abandonment cases shows a worrying increase, highlighting the urgent need for robust enforcement of international regulations.
The Safety Net: International Aid & Regulation
When abandonment occurs, a network of international organizations and legal frameworks exists to protect seafarers. The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006) is the cornerstone of this protection, empowering bodies like the ILO and ITF to act.
Maritime Labour Convention, 2006
Often called the "seafarers' bill of rights," the MLC, 2006 provides comprehensive rights and protection at work for the world's seafarers. Its key provisions against abandonment are:
- Regulation 2.5: Guarantees seafarers the right to be repatriated at no cost to themselves under a wide range of circumstances, including abandonment.
- Standard A2.5.2: This is a crucial 2014 amendment. It mandates that shipowners must have a system of financial security (e.g., insurance or a national fund) to cover the costs of abandonment.
- Financial Security Purpose: This security must be sufficient to cover up to four months of owed wages, repatriation costs, and essential needs like food, clothing, and medical care.
How the MLC Financial Security System Works
The system is designed to provide a rapid response when a shipowner defaults on their obligations. It creates a direct line of support for the abandoned crew.
Abandonment Occurs
A shipowner fails to meet their obligations to the crew.
Crew Seeks Help
Seafarers contact ITF, port authorities, or the flag state.
Financial Security Activated
The insurer or fund is notified and validates the claim.
Aid Disbursed
Funds are released for wages, essentials, and repatriation.
