Surge in Abandoned Indian Seafarers Highlights Global Maritime Crisis
In a troubling trend that has persisted for two consecutive years, Indian seafarers have emerged as the most abandoned nationality in the global maritime industry. Data from 2023 revealed that 401 Indian seafarers were left stranded by shipowners, a figure that more than doubled to 899 in 2024. This brings the total to at least 1,300 cases over the two-year period, far surpassing other heavily impacted nationalities such as Syria (410), Ukraine (288), and the Philippines (273) in 2024 alone. The alarming rise underscores deep-rooted systemic issues within the maritime sector and raises questions about the effectiveness of governmental and international responses to this growing crisis.
Abandonment in the maritime industry occurs when shipowners fail to pay wages, provide basic necessities like food and water, or arrange repatriation for crew members, often leaving them stranded on vessels or in foreign ports for months. For Indian seafarers, who form a significant portion of the global maritime workforce, this has become an all-too-common reality. The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), a key player in tracking and addressing such cases, has reported a sharp increase in abandonment incidents worldwide, with India bearing the brunt of this disturbing trend.
In 2023, the initial figure of 401 abandoned Indian seafarers already marked a significant concern, placing India at the top of the list globally. However, the dramatic surge to 899 cases in 2024 has set off alarm bells, highlighting not only the vulnerability of Indian workers but also the apparent inability of existing mechanisms to curb the problem. Comparatively, seafarers from war-torn Syria and Ukraine, as well as the Philippines—a nation long known for its large seafaring population—have faced fewer abandonment cases, despite their own challenges. This disparity points to unique factors affecting Indian seafarers, including their high representation in the industry and the complexities of addressing their plight.
The Indian government has not been idle in the face of this crisis. Legal and diplomatic efforts have been deployed to pressure shipowners and flag states—countries under whose jurisdiction vessels operate—to fulfill their obligations under international maritime law, such as the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC). The MLC, ratified by India, mandates that seafarers be paid, provided with adequate living conditions, and repatriated at the end of their contracts. Yet, despite these frameworks, the government’s response has been criticized for its sluggishness. Many seafarers remain stranded for extended periods, reliant on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) like the ITF and local charities for food, medical care, and eventual repatriation.
This reliance on external intervention reveals a critical gap in the system. While the Indian government has pursued legal action against errant shipowners and worked with embassies to assist stranded workers, the sheer volume of cases appears to overwhelm these efforts. Diplomatic negotiations with flag states, often located in jurisdictions with lax enforcement, can drag on for months, leaving seafarers in limbo. In some instances, NGOs have stepped in to cover repatriation costs—a burden that, under international law, should fall on shipowners or their insurers. This patchwork approach has led to inconsistent outcomes, with many seafarers enduring prolonged hardship before returning home.
The broader implications of this crisis extend beyond the immediate suffering of the affected individuals. Indian seafarers, who contribute significantly to the country’s economy through remittances, face not only financial ruin but also emotional and physical tolls from abandonment. Families back home, dependent on their wages, are plunged into uncertainty, while the seafarers themselves grapple with isolation and despair. The maritime industry, a vital artery of global trade, relies heavily on the labor of these workers, yet the failure to protect them threatens to undermine confidence in the profession.
Experts argue that addressing this issue requires a multi-pronged approach. Strengthening enforcement of the MLC, improving coordination between governments and NGOs, and holding shipowners accountable through stricter penalties could help stem the tide of abandonments. For India, enhancing domestic support systems—such as faster emergency repatriation funds or dedicated task forces—could provide a lifeline to its stranded citizens. Until such measures are implemented, however, Indian seafarers will likely remain the most abandoned nationality in the world, a stark symbol of the maritime industry’s systemic challenges. As the numbers continue to climb, the urgency for effective action has never been greater.
