New data from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) shows a troubling 30% rise in global seafarer abandonment cases in 2025, with 2,286 crew on 222 vessels left without pay, food, or medical care—amounting to $13.1 million in unpaid wages. The Arab World accounts for 37% of cases, with Europe following at 34%. The ITF highlights the role of Flags of Convenience (FOC), noting that nearly 75% of abandoned vessels are registered under FOC states such as St. Kitts & Nevis, Tanzania, and Comoros. The ITF is urgently calling for stronger enforcement and regulatory action to address the crisis, which threatens both seafarers’ welfare and the integrity of the global shipping industry.

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