The situation on board Ula… is bleak for the 19 seafarers left fighting for their rights and lives...

[they] have been on hunger strike since early January this year, with no resolution in sight…

“The situation on board is very critical,” a crew member told Lloyd’s List. “Everybody is depressed and our families are suffering many problems because of no money.”...

So far this year, 26 cases of abandonment have been reported... A further eight that occurred in 2020 have been registered this year…

Flag states must ensure there is a financial security system in place to assist seafarers.. the port state may arrange for their repatriation and recover the cost from the flag state, the ILO said.

Labour supply countries also have responsibilities, including ensuring recruitment agencies have a system of protection to compensate seafarers when shipowners fail to meet their obligations