Record maritime crisis leaves 1125 Indians stranded worldwide
In a distressing development for the global maritime community, Indian Seafarers have unfortunately retained the top spot as the most abandoned nationality in the shipping industry for the second consecutive year. According to the latest data released by the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), a staggering 1,125 cases of abandonment involving Indian nationals were recorded by the end of 2025.
This grim statistic is part of a wider, systemic crisis plaguing the high seas. The ITF reported that global abandonment figures hit record levels last year, with 6,223 workers left stranded across 410 vessels. These workers often face dire conditions, including lack of food, unpaid wages, and no means to return home.
Middle East Emerges as a Hotspot
The analysis highlights that the Middle East is currently the most dangerous region for abandonment, followed closely by Europe. Specific data points to Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the two nations where the highest number of vessels were abandoned. Türkiye recorded 61 instances, while the UAE saw 54, numbers significantly higher than any other jurisdiction.
The "Flags of Convenience" Loophole
A major driver of this crisis is the use of "Flags of Convenience" (FOC). This system allows ship owners to register vessels in countries with lax regulations to cut costs. The ITF found that 82 percent of the abandoned ships in 2025 were flying these flags. Unscrupulous owners use this anonymity to dodge responsibilities, leaving sailors high and dry when financial trouble hits.
Human Cost and Financial Impact
Beyond the emotional toll, the financial impact on workers is massive. Seafarers were owed approximately $25.8 million in unpaid wages last year alone. However, the ITF has successfully recovered and returned $16.5 million to the affected workers.
ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton described 2025 as the "worst year on record" for abandonment. He emphasized that these are not just numbers, but real people forced into desperate situations far from their families. The union has welcomed the Indian government's recent moves to blacklist entities involved in repeat abandonments, signaling a step toward better protection for Indian Seafarers.
