Sea Aries
11 seafarers abandoned on the Sea Aries (IMO 9297125, flag Belize) in Casablanca, Morocco, 2 July 2025. ILO case 1388, status: Resolved.
- Status
- Resolved
- Abandonment ID
- 1388
- IMO Number
- 9297125
- Flag
- Belize
- Port of Abandonment
- Casablanca, Morocco
- Abandonment Date
- 2 July 2025
- Notification Date
- 7 July 2025
- Seafarers
- 11
- Reporting Org.
- International Transport Workers' Federation
Circumstances
Outstanding wages of 2 months
Seafarers applied to insurer?: Yes
Insurance certificate dates: 13th July 2024 to 13th July 2025
Updates
8 October 2025: International Transport Workers' Federation
Crew paid in full. Resolved.
25 July 2025: Belize
(From the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize)
The Belize Administration thanks you for this communication and for allow us the opportunity to comment on this matter.
Regarding the purported abandonment case, please note that the flag was notified of this case on 4th July 2025.
Having been informed, the flag immediately contacted the owners due to violation of Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC 2006) and our national DG-004.
On 7th July, the flag issued a Prohibition of Sailing Notice to subject vessel with the condition that the prohibition would not be lifted until the vessel is fully in compliance with MLC requirements.
On 8th July, the operators provided evidence of payment of all wages (please see attached).
Flag has subsequently communicated this information to ITF before closing this case.
On behalf of the Belize Administration please allow me to assure you that we take MLC compliance seriously.
It is our duty to ensure all seafarer's welfare on our ships, and we welcome any support and cooperation in this endeavour.
Should you need any further clarifications, please let us know.
25 July 2025: International Maritime Organisation
(From the State Maritime and Port Agency)
IMO is informed that relevant details were forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and an official Note was sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Morocco. It was then confirmed that the vessel was indeed at the Port of Casablanca in June of this year and subsequently departed. Furthermore, it was established that as of July 18, 2025, the Sea Aries was located off the coast of Mallorca, Spain.
The received information is duly noted and will be recorded on the joint IMO/ILO database on abandonment of seafarers.
I herewith would like to call, in particular on the flag State Belize and the new port/coastal State Spain to provide for further information on the steps taken for the appropriate resolution of this abandonment case .
All information received will be duly recorded on the joint IMO/ILO database on abandonment of seafarers.
I sincerely hope for your kind cooperation.
25 July 2025: Azerbaijan
(From the State Maritime and Port Agency)
I am contacting you from the behalf of the State Maritime and Port Agency under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan. We have received information regarding the abandonment of the vessel Sea Aries (IMO Number 9297125, Flag: Belize). The relevant details have been forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, then an official Note was sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Morocco. Additionally, a telephone conversation was held with Mr. Omar Al Kayari, Head of the relevant department of the Consular Affairs Office. The Moroccan side looked into the matter and contacted us by phone a few hours later, informing us that the aforementioned vessel was indeed at the Port of Casablanca in June of this year and subsequently departed. Furthermore, it should be noted that as a result of the investigation conducted via the live vessel tracking system, it was established that as of July 18, 2025, the Sea Aries vessel was located off the coast of the Spanish island of Mallorca.
11 July 2025: Belize
(From the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize)
We acknowledge receipt of your email regarding the abandonment case of SEA ARIES (9297125)
As you are aware, our Flag State treats such complaints with the utmost seriousness and acts promptly to ensure they are resolved in the most effective and timely manner.
Please find below an update on the current status of this case:
1. On 3 July 2025, we received a notification from the ITF regarding the case. We immediately contacted the owner/operator to request clarification on the matter.
2. On the same day, 3 July 2025, we also sent an email to the ISM operators seeking a detailed explanation and clarification concerning the allegations.
3. On 4 July 2025, the ISM operators responded, stating that there were no complaints from the crew. They explained that an attempt had been made to pay the crew in cash via the agent in Casablanca, but this was unsuccessful. As a result, they planned to process the May and June salary payments at the vessel’s next port of call.
4. Also on 4 July 2025, we sent a follow-up email urging immediate payment, as the explanation provided was not deemed justifiable.
5. On 8 July 2025, due to the continued lack of resolution, we issued a Prohibition from Sailing Notice (PSN). We also notified the local authorities in Casablanca, Morocco, to ensure the vessel does not depart until the matter is satisfactorily resolved.
6. On 8 July 2025, the ISM operator responded, confirming that the crew received their payments on Monday morning and provided a copy of the payroll, signed by the crew, as evidence.
7. On the same day, 8 July 2025, we forwarded the attachments received from the ISM operator to the ITF, requesting their assistance in verifying the authenticity of the documents and the accuracy of the ISM operator’s claims.
8. Also on 8 July 2025, the ITF acknowledged safe receipt of our email and advised that they will follow up with our flag administration once verification is completed.
Please rest assured that this Administration remains committed to ensuring full compliance with both national and international obligations. We will continue to apply pressure until the matter is fully resolved and revert with necessary evidence.
7 July 2025: International Transport Workers' Federation
Following DPA promise the salaries will be paid on Monday 7th July 2025. Flag state already contacted company.
New P&I renewal certificate will be on the vessel this week