A group of 15 Indian seafarers stranded aboard an offshore support vessel in Indonesia are seeking help, claiming they haven’t been paid in months.
Issue of seafarer abandonment
Their situation has once again brought global attention to the growing issue of seafarer abandonment, which unions are now calling a worsening crisis.The seafarers are onboard the Star Apollo, a 1,500 gross ton vessel currently docked at the Batamec Shipyard in Indonesia.
Not received any wages
According to the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), the ship has remained in port since October 2024.The crew, who began their contracts between four to eight months ago, allege they have not received any wages during this period.
With the help of the ITF
With the help of the ITF, the crew members released a video on social media, where they are seen holding handwritten signs stating they are facing food shortages and have been threatened by ship managers for asking about their unpaid salaries.
$80,000 in unpaid wages.
They are pleading for support from Indian seafarer unions and the ship’s flag state to help them return home According to ITF Global Inspectorate Coordinator Steve Trownsdale, the situation onboard has become extremely distressing, and the stress is beginning to affect the seafarers’ physical and mental well-being.he ITF says it is actively working to help the crew recover almost $80,000 in unpaid wages.
Worst year on record for abandonment of seafarers
The organisation had earlier warned, in January this year, that abandonment of seafarers is rising rapidly, calling 2024 the “worst year on record” for such cases.ITF’s report revealed a shocking 87 per cent increase in the number of abandoned seafarers, from 1,676 in 2023 to 3,133 in 2024Abandoned seafarers often face months without pay, poor living conditions on board, limited food supplies, and lack of clean drinking water.
Poor oversight
The ITF stressed that poor oversight by flag and port states, along with a general lack of accountability from shipowners, continues to worsen the situation, leaving thousands of seafarers vulnerable and helpless
STAR APOLLO
The current position of STAR APOLLO is at South East Asia reported 28 hours ago by AIS. The vessel STAR APOLLO (IMO 9644897, MMSI 341647001) is a Offshore Tug/Supply Ship built in 2012 (13 years old) was sold in 2025 to Mumbai-based Vindhyawashini Offshore, according to the Equasis database.and currently sailing under the flag of St Kitts & Nevis.
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The MLC Special Tripartite Committee meeting at ILO
It is notewothy that The International Maritime Organization (IMO), which participated in the MLC Special Tripartite Committee meeting at ILO in Geneva (7-11 April) welcomes these developments.
The amendments reflect a continued commitment by the international community to ensure fair treatment, enhance safety and wellbeing at sea, and recognize the vital contribution of seafarers to global trade.
More specifically the meeting adopted the following amendments:
- Protecting seafarers against violence and harassment on board;
- Calling for the designation and recognition of seafarers as key workers;
- Strengthening the rights of seafarers with respect to shore leave, for the benefit of their health and wellbeing;
- Facilitating the movement of seafarers for the purpose of repatriation;
- Requiring States to cooperate and take due account of the IMO/ILO Guidelines on the fair treatment of seafarers in the event of a maritime accident, and the recently adopted IMO/ILO Guidelines on the fair treatment of seafarers detained in connection with alleged crimes;
- Recommending that ships have the most up-to-date medical information and guidance on board, to be available for the person responsible for medical care on board.
