Indian seafarers top global abandonment list: Report

Indian seafarers were the most abandoned worldwide for the second consecutive year in 2024, with 899 Indian sailors left stranded on ships, part of a total of 3,133 abandoned seafarers globally. This marks the worst year on record for seafarer abandonment, representing an 87% increase from 2023 when 1,676 seafarers were abandoned, including 401 Indians. The next highest group to be abandoned in 2024 were Syrians.

The data, compiled by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), reveals that 312 vessels were abandoned in 2024, a dramatic 136% rise from the 132 vessels abandoned in 2023. Additionally, 81% of these abandoned ships were flagged under “Flags of Convenience” (FoC), allowing owners to avoid labor and safety regulations.

The ITF defines abandonment as a situation where seafarers are left without pay for at least two months, denied adequate provisions, or not repatriated after their contract ends.

ITF has submitted its findings on seafarer abandonment to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). However, the report is skeptical about the IMO’s ability to enforce meaningful changes, noting that “UN agencies have no teeth to enforce anything.”

Stephen Cotton, ITF’s general secretary, emphasized the need for stronger regulation and accountability.

 “By reporting so many cases, seafarers are sending a clear message: they’ve had enough of being treated like slaves,” Cotton said. “The solution is clear: better regulation, enforcement, and accountability from governments.”