Fishing industry seafarers lead in abandonment cases

Seafarers in the fishing industry remain the most affected by abandonment cases, with incidents recorded from 2018 to 2024, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

In a press briefing on 7 March, DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac clarified that regular seafarers do not make up the majority of those abandoned. DMW data shows a total of 373 reported cases of seafarer abandonment from 1 January to 31 December 2024.

Among the vessels with reported cases of seafarer abandonment are MV Atheras, MV Gemini, and MV Manticor, with the latest repatriation of three seafarers from the salvage vessel Team Porter on 22 February. This brings the number of abandoned Filipino seafarers to zero to date.

Cacdac emphasized that the DMW is committed to ensuring the protection of fishers, including the mandatory reporting of maritime incidents within three to five days for significant cases. The department also provides financial and legal assistance to distressed fishers seeking to file complaints and recover unpaid wages.

In collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), the DMW is developing new standards to enhance fishers' protection.

"We aim to roll this out most likely in the second quarter of this year," the DMW secretary stated. "This will include enhanced protection measures and the drafting of a standard employment contract for fishers."

Challenges in assisting abandoned seafarers

Despite the availability of assistance through Migrant Workers Offices and Philippine embassies, Cacdac acknowledged several challenges in helping abandoned seafarers, particularly concerning their physical and medical well-being while they remain stranded.

Repatriation remains difficult, especially when seafarers are left in foreign ports without immediate means of returning home.

Another major challenge is the non-payment of wages and benefits.

“Because more often than not, abandonment happens when the ship owner literally leaves them because of some financial, dire financial situation. So, the shipowner is evading financial liability,” Cacdac explained.

He also clarified that abandonment is not limited to physically leaving seafarers behind.

"As long as a shipowner did not pay wages for a period of at least two months, there need not be physical abandonment in that sense.”

A ship is also considered abandoned if the seafarers are left without proper maintenance, including food and other essential supplies, and have severed ties with the shipowner.

From 2018 to 2024, a total of 1,035 abandoned seafarers from fishing vessels, passenger ships, yachts, longliners, and bulk carriers have been repatriated.