Stranded and Forgotten: The Plight of Abandoned Seafarers
Across the vastness of the world’s oceans, many seafarers find themselves deserted by their employers and struggling with severe mental health issues. The alarming increase in seafarer abandonment has left countless seafarers stranded without support, wages, or a way home, as highlighted by Tim Hill, CEO of Stella Maris, the official maritime charity of the Catholic Church.
“Ship abandonment has reached alarming levels, leaving many seafarers stranded without support, wages, or a way home. They deserve respect, dignity, and the assurance that they will never be forgotten,” Hill emphasized.
Hill urges the enforcement of international laws, holding negligent companies accountable for not providing immediate assistance to the abandoned crew. The situation is dire, as data from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) reveals a dramatic increase in abandonment cases over the last decade. From a mere dozen cases a year to 143 in 2023 and already over 100 reported in 2024, the numbers speak volumes about the severity of the issue.
Shipowners often neglect to provide basic necessities like food, accommodation, and medical care, leaving seafarers in unimaginable conditions. Deacon Joseph O’Donnell, Stella Maris Senior Area Port Chaplain for Scotland and Northern Ireland, underscores the role of businesses and organizations that profit from the maritime industry in curbing abandonment. “We ask those companies and organizations which benefit from the maritime industry, such as major retailers, to join us to put a stop to abandonment,” O’Donnell said.
Stella Maris has been a lifeline for abandoned seafarers across the globe. Their efforts extend from Kenya to Taiwan, offering crucial support to those left in distress. Recently, Stella Maris intervened in Troon, south-west Scotland, where an Indian crew had not received their wages for several months. The charity provided groceries, clothing, and free mobile phone SIM cards, enabling the crew to communicate with their families back home. Thanks to Stella Maris’ intervention, the crew ultimately was paid and repatriated.
Margaret Masibo, Stella Maris’ chaplain in Mombasa, Kenya, shared a heart-wrenching account of supporting crew members on an abandoned fishing vessel for over a year. According to Masibo, the men were on the brink of starvation and had not received any help until she became involved. “Awareness of these issues needs to be raised to higher government levels. It is a truly global issue,” said Deacon O’Donnell.
These challenges faced by abandoned seafarers are a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by those who keep the maritime industry afloat. As ship abandonment reaches unprecedented levels, the need for a coordinated global response becomes increasingly urgent. Tim Hill’s cause should signal all stakeholders to come together and address this humanitarian crisis. Seafarers deserve respect, dignity, and the assurance that they will never be abandoned.
We at the Herd Law Firm are proud to fight for seamen, maritime workers and passengers in all types of personal injury claims. As maritime personal injury attorneys located in northwest Houston, we never waver in our commitment to help these maritime workers and their families when they are injured or mistreated.
6/14/2024
