Why India tops the list of abandoned sailors

August 19, 2025

Seafarers, particularly from India, are facing alarming cases of abandonment on commercial vessels worldwide, with 899 Indian nationals among 3,133 abandoned sailors in 2024. The article highlights several cases, including Manas Kumar and his crew stranded on a cargo ship in Ukrainian waters since April, and Captain Amitabh Chaudhary's crew abandoned near Saudi Arabia after their vessel was damaged. These abandonments often occur when shipowners sever ties with crews, refusing to pay salaries or provide for repatriation, with the "flags of convenience" system allowing ships to register in countries with weak regulations, obscuring ownership and enabling exploitation of seafarers.

Who is affected

Indian seafarers and crew members from other nations (including Azerbaijanis and Egyptians)
Abandoned crews on specific vessels: Anka (14 crew members including Manas Kumar), Stratos (10 crew members including Captain Amitabh Chaudhary), and Nirvana (23 Indian crew members including Captain Prabjeet Singh)
Families of abandoned seafarers waiting for their return
India as a nation, which is both the second-largest supplier of commercial ship crews globally and tops the list of abandoned seafarers

What action is being taken

Abandoned crews are remaining on vessels despite hardships to secure unpaid wages
The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) is tracking and documenting cases of abandoned seafarers
Some crew members are attempting to repair or refloat their vessels (as with the Stratos crew)
Courts in some jurisdictions are ordering seizures of vessels and settlements (as with the Nirvana case in Gujarat)
ITF representatives like Sushil Deorukhkar are working for seafarers' welfare

Why it matters

The abandonment crisis affects thousands of seafarers (3,133 abandoned sailors across 312 ships in 2024)
Abandoned crews face dangerous conditions, including food shortages, lack of provisions, and potential hazards in conflict zones
The "flags of convenience" system enables exploitation, with around 90% of abandoned vessels sailing under this arrangement
Seafarers often cannot leave vessels without securing their unpaid wages, especially after investing in job placement and certifications
The complex global nature of shipping (with owners, managers, flags, and crews from different countries) complicates resolution efforts

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC