In 2024, the poignant reality of abandoned seafarers reaches dramatic heights: over 3000 sailors left behind by their shipowners. The United Arab Emirates and Panama sadly stand out for their responsibility in this crisis. Despite efforts to alert about this troubling situation, the phenomenon is only amplifying, reinforcing the sense of abandonment and despair among sailors, turning ships into floating prisons across the oceans of the world.
The alarming rise of sailor abandonments at sea
The number of abandoned seafarers has reached a critical level in 2024, with over 3000 reported cases. This worrying trend highlights the responsibility of flag states, notably Panama, and ports such as those in the United Arab Emirates. Indeed, the year 2024 has marked a tragic record in terms of sailors left behind by their shipowners. Moreover, this abandonment can be seen as a monumental failure on the part of maritime industry leaders regarding the protection of their crews. It is in this context that the ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation) highlights the financial pressure faced by shipowners, sometimes leading to devastating decisions for crew members.
The impunity of shipowners in the face of maritime laws
In 2023, nearly 1700 sailors have already faced abandonment by their shipowners, a concerning statistic that continues to rise. Many shipowners circumvent the laws after dubious financial maneuvers, often preferring to leave their crews to fend for themselves at sea. This raises the question of growing impunity in this industry and the limited recourse available for seafarers. By refusing to issue pragmatic exemptions allowing sailors to embark or disembark, governments persist in treating these individuals as prisoners at sea, hindering their fundamental rights.
The poignant testimonies of trapped sailors
The accounts of sailors trapped aboard abandoned ships are as diverse as they are tragic. For example, a Syrian crew experienced two years of isolation in a port in Libya, without financial means or anyone to turn to. Similarly, thousands of sailors have seen their living conditions deteriorate significantly due to severe quarantine measures imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Their testimonies reveal palpable distress, with each day marked by another loss of hope. For these individuals, life at sea feels more like a floating cage than a workplace. Current travel restrictions and border closures add to their suffering, trapping up to 300,000 sailors in undeniable distress. Read more.
