Record seafarer abandonment highlights need for greater awareness and support

September 24 ------ For thousands of seafarers, the end of a voyage does not always mean a safe return home. With abandonment cases continuing to threaten crews and their families worldwide, The Seafarers’ Charity has released the final films in its “Smart Seafaring. A Safe Return” campaign.

Released ahead of World Maritime Day on 24 September, the films aim to help seafarers and their families recognize the warning signs of abandonment, take practical steps to protect themselves and understand where to seek help if a situation deteriorates.

According to the International Transport Workers’ Federation, 2025 was the worst year on record for seafarer abandonment, with 410 vessels and 6,223 seafarers affected — more than 30% higher than in 2024. Under the IMO/ILO Guidelines, a seafarer is considered abandoned when a shipowner fails to cover the cost of repatriation, provide basic necessities such as food and accommodation, or pay contractual wages for at least two months. The guidelines also refer to the “severance of ties”, including situations where a ship’s master is left without the financial means to operate the vessel. Abandonment can leave seafarers stranded in a foreign port or onboard a vessel with no means of returning home.

The Seafarers’ Charity said the films are designed to provide practical and accessible information to seafarers and their families before a situation escalates.

This year’s World Maritime Day theme, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence”, also highlights the importance of turning maritime policies and commitments into practical support for those working at sea.

All three animated films are now available alongside guidance in six languages commonly spoken among seafarers. The scale of the problem has also continued to grow. "Policy only makes a difference when it’s put into practice. For seafarers, that means making sure they have access to clear information that can help them make informed decisions and know where to turn. By making guidance available in common seafaring languages, we can reach more seafarers and their families with information that could help them avoid the devastating consequences of abandonment," said Deborah Layde, chief executive of The Seafarers’ Charity.

‘Smart Seafaring. A Safe Return’ was launched in June to coincide with 2026’s ‘Day of the Seafarer’. The completed resources cover the key stages of a seafarer’s journey, from considering a new job and checking the legitimacy of an employer or vessel, through to understanding what to do if wages are not paid or a seafarer is left without the support they are entitled to.

Source: safety4sea.com