It is alleged a number of seafarers aboard the Panamanian-flagged MV Metis Leader were working aboard the vessel in excess of the periods permitted under the Maritime Labour Convention, as well as the limit permitted by Panama and Australia. A media report quotes International Transport Workers’ Federation assistant coordinator or Australia, Matt Purcell, saying that what happened “could give rise to a situation of forced labour”.

Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited the vessel-owner NYK Line and its agents, WSS Shipping Agencies and World Marine Company. WSS Shipping Agencies' response is linked below. NYK Line and World Marine Company did not respond.