PSD 104
2 seafarers abandoned on the PSD 104 (IMO 9191802, flag United Republic of Tanzania) in Durban, South Africa, 1 July 2024. ILO case 1029, status: Resolved.
- Status
- Resolved
- Abandonment ID
- 1029
- IMO Number
- 9191802
- Flag
- United Republic of Tanzania
- Port of Abandonment
- Durban, South Africa
- Abandonment Date
- 1 July 2024
- Notification Date
- 12 July 2024
- Seafarers
- 2
- Reporting Org.
- International Transport Workers' Federation
Circumstances
Crew trafficked into South Africa by the owner of the vessel as many have before. Their visas have expired, one has been sentenced to 12 in jail, whilst the other seafarer will be in court later in July. They have not been paid since they joined the vessel.
(updated by ITF on 19th August 2024)
2 Indian seafarers were trafficked into South Africa onto an already abandoned vessel. They were arrested when their visas expired and one was sentenced to 12 months in jail, which we have since appealed. The other seafarer attended court but was not jailed. They are also owed between 3-5 months wages. Both seafarers have employment contracts that state their monthly wages is $150.
Updates
8 October 2025: International Transport Workers' Federation
The two seafarers were repatriated. Resolved.
22 November 2024: International Transport Workers' Federation
The two seafarers were trafficked into South Africa. The case is being handled by the KZN Organised Crime Unit of the NPA.
These two seafarers were recruited from India and brought to South Africa by the owner of the vessel. They were effectively abandoned on the vessel and, when their entry visas expired they were detained by the Border Management Authority and charged under the Immigration Act. One of the seafarers was jailed, but the lawyer engaged by the ITF successfully appealed against the sentence and the seafarer was release.
As a result of these circumstances the two seafarers were found to be victims of trafficking by the Dept of Social Development (DSD"). Letters of recognition were issued in terms of section 19 of the Human Trafficking Act.
The seafarers are currently in provided accommodation, awaiting the end of the investigation. Neither seafarer has received any wages since joining the vessel. It is hoped that the two seafarers will be allowed home at the beginning of December.
19 August 2024: International Transport Workers' Federation
This is the fourth time abandonment has been reported on this vessel. The owner also owns the PSD 2 (8319615), which is also abandoned in Durban with no crew.