Sicilia
8 seafarers abandoned on the Sicilia (IMO 8129486, flag Guinea-Bissau) in Marina Di Portopalo, Italy, 2 September 2024. ILO case 1142, status: Disputed.
- Status
- Disputed
- Abandonment ID
- 1142
- IMO Number
- 8129486
- Flag
- Guinea-Bissau
- Port of Abandonment
- Marina Di Portopalo, Italy
- Abandonment Date
- 2 September 2024
- Notification Date
- 14 November 2024
- Seafarers
- 8
- Reporting Org.
- International Transport Workers' Federation
Circumstances
Inadequate provisions being supplied by the company and refusing to repatriate the crew with expired Seafarers Employment Contracts (SEA). Vessel detained by PSC for substandard conditions.
Updates
19 January 2025: International Transport Workers' Federation
All crew disembarked and returned home on 12th December 2024 without their outstanding wages. This case has been classified as "disputed."
29 November 2024: Guinea-Bissau
(by The Guinea-Bissau International Ships Registry)
The Guinea-Bissau International Ships Registry (GB ISR), as the competent Flag State Administration, acknowledges its obligations under the ILO Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC 2006), specifically Regulation 2.5 and Standard A2.5.2, to address cases of seafarer abandonment.
We confirm the following regarding the vessel:
• The M/V SICILIA is a Live Seafood Carrier registered under the GB ISR since 28 February 2023.
• The GB ISR was notified by the Italian Coast Guard on 3 September 2024 of the vessel’s detention at the Port of Marina Di Portopalo, Italy, on 2 September 2024. (no information on vessel abandonment was received prior to November 2024).
• On 17 November 2024, we were informed by the IMO Secretariat of the vessel’s inclusion in the database, following a report by the ITF indicating the abandonment of eight seafarers of Turkish nationality at Marina Di Portopalo, Italy, with outstanding wages.
In response, the GB ISR has taken the following actions to address the matter:
Engagement with Responsible Parties:
• The GB ISR formally contacted the vessel’s owners and managers, requesting immediate measures to:
a. Arrange and expedite the repatriation of the affected seafarers.
b. Ensure the payment of outstanding wages and provide confirmation of such payments.
c. Address any complaints raised by the seafarers and ensure their living conditions comply with MLC 2006 requirements.
d. Maintain the vessel’s operational and safety standards by addressing the crew replacement.
Financial Security Obligations:
• The GB ISR reminded the responsible parties of their obligations under Standard A2.5.2, which requires financial security to cover repatriation, wages, and essential needs of abandoned seafarers and recommended respective action.
Monitoring and Follow-Up:
• The GB ISR is actively monitoring the situation to ensure compliance with international standards and the resolution of the abandonment case.
• We are committed to fulfilling our responsibilities as the Flag State Administration and will continue to engage with all relevant parties to ensure the proper resolution of this case, including the repatriation and welfare of the affected seafarers.
The GB ISR will contact your esteemed organization upon receiving further information on the issue under consideration.