Kenyan Seafarers Abandoned in Oman
The Four members of the vessel abandoned by the ship owner. (Photo / Courtesy)
By Mwakwaya Raymond
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
Four Kenyan seafarers are currently stranded at Port Duqm in Oman aboard a Somali flagged fishing vessel FV SAHARLA.
The ill-fated crew members of the vessel were abandoned by the ship owner in March this year (2024). Crew members aboard the fishing vessel are four Kenyans, two Tanzanians and four Somali nationals.
They have been operating along the Arabian Sea fishing grounds since February, 2023. They are currently running out of fuel, freshwater supply, and ship stores.
The abandoned Kenyans are Juma Tella Hamisi, Salim Nuru Mwamba, Omar Mwawema Mwalimu and Idd Abdulrahama. They are demanding to be paid their seven months salary and be repatriated with free passage home.
The fishing vessel is owned and managed by the Bossasu based TG Blue Treasure Seafood Inc. Somali flagged fishing vessel FV Saharla currently moored at Port Duqm in Oman.
The port of registry of the abandoned ship is Bossasu, Somalia. I think more pressure should be exerted to the government of Somalia so that the abandoned crew members of the vessel could be repatriated with free passage home.
Overall, the primary obligation of the flag state in cases of abandonment involving both crew members and the ship is to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the crew.
That is, apart from, addressing the implications of the abandoned ship in a manner that upholds maritime safety and environmental protection standards.
The flag state is responsible for protecting the rights and welfare of the abandoned crew members. This may involve facilitating repatriation, ensuring access to medical care and addressing any immediate humanitarian needs.
The ship owner is responsible for arranging and covering the costs associated with repatriating the crew members to their home countries.
Shipowners must continue to pay the crew members their wages and any entitlements owed according to their employment contracts until they are safely repatriated or until alternative arrangements are made.
The Shipowners should maintain regular communications with the crew members, their families and relevant authorities to provide updates on the situation and ensure that all necessary support is provided.
The ship owner may also be liable for any damages or kisses suffered by the crew members as a result of the abandonment, and may need to provide compensation accordingly.
The shipowner must adhere to international maritime labor conventions and regulations governing the treatment of Seafarers, including those related to abandonment.
The crew members aboard the abandoned ship are comprised of four Kenyans, two Tanzanian and four Somali nationals.
