A growing humanitarian crisis is gripping the maritime industry, with new data from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) revealing a sharp rise in cases of seafarer abandonment worldwide.
As of mid-2025, over 2,280 seafarers have been left stranded aboard 222 vessels, with unpaid wages totaling $13.1 million. This marks a staggering 30% increase compared to the same period in 2024 — previously the worst year on record.
The crisis is hitting some regions particularly hard. The Arab world accounts for 37% of all abandonment cases this year, the highest share globally. Europe follows with 34%, with most cases occurring in Turkey, a country that has yet to ratify the Maritime Labour Convention. Asia Pacific trails behind with a significantly lower share.
“This is a pattern of abuse that must be confronted,” said Steve Trowsdale, ITF’s inspectorate coordinator. “The Gulf region, especially the UAE, has become a hotspot for seafarer abandonment. It’s time for authorities to crack down on rogue shipowners.”
Under international law, seafarer abandonment includes situations where crew members are left unpaid for two or more months, denied food or medical care, or stranded without repatriation support.
A large number of these cases involve vessels flagged under so-called Flags of Convenience (FOCs) — registries that allow owners to operate under jurisdictions with weak regulations. St. Kitts & Nevis and Tanzania each account for 26 abandoned vessels, while Comoros has 18. In total, nearly 75% of abandoned ships this year fly FOC flags.
“These flag states offer owners secrecy and impunity, often at the direct cost of seafarers’ rights,” the ITF said in a statement.
Trowsdale added, “The flags of convenience system is parasitic. It shields owners while seafarers are left on rusting ships with no support. And when countries profit from these abuses, they become complicit.”
The ITF is urging international regulators, port states, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to step up enforcement, ensure accountability, and protect the welfare of seafarers. According to the federation, systemic failures in enforcement, inadequate vessel insurance, and shipowner negligence are the primary factors fueling the growing abandonment crisis.
“If we fail to act, we risk losing the very workforce that keeps global trade moving,” Trowsdale warned.