The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has accused Dubai-based Middle East Marine LLC of systematic abuse and neglect of over 100 seafarers, calling the situation the worst case of serial seafarer abandonment ever seen and a stain on the global maritime industry.
The ITF has urged the UAE government and the Palau maritime authorities to intervene, uphold international maritime and human rights law, and alleviate the plight of the affected seafarers.
The ITF has reported over 17 abandonments across 18 of the company’s vessels since November 2022.
It said seafarers hailing from India, Indonesia and Myanmar have been subjected to clear violations of human and labour rights, including inhumane conditions like unclean drinking water, food scarcity, withheld passports and medical supplies, denied hospital visits for sick crew members, and unpaid salaries.
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