Mister Yunis
11 seafarers abandoned on the Mister Yunis (IMO 9327126, flag Comoros) in Tuzla, Türkiye, 1 June 2025. ILO case 1459, status: Disputed.
- Status
- Disputed
- Abandonment ID
- 1459
- IMO Number
- 9327126
- Flag
- Comoros
- Port of Abandonment
- Tuzla, Türkiye
- Abandonment Date
- 1 June 2025
- Notification Date
- 15 September 2025
- Seafarers
- 11
- Reporting Org.
- International Transport Workers' Federation
Circumstances
Outstanding wages for 5 months. The master and chief Engineer out of contract and awaiting repatriation.
Seafarers applied to insurer?: No
Insurance certificate dates: N/A
Updates
10 July 2026: India
(from the Directorate General of Shipping)
I am directed to forward herewith the details of the resolved abandonment case of the vessel MISTER YUNIS (IMO No. 9327126), as furnished by the concerned RPSL company, in the template prescribed by the ILO/IMO.
The duly completed template is enclosed herewith for your kind consideration and for taking necessary action towards closure of the abandonment case in the ILO/IMO Joint Database
Letters were issued to the concerned authorities, RPSL agency, and other stakeholders to facilitate the resolution of the case at the earliest. Wages have been settled and the documentary evidence of the same is submitted by mail
REPATRIATED ANDWAGESPAID
M/S. Casablanca Shipping Pvt (RPSL-MUM-***) has forwarded email dated 16.03.2026 to ITF for resolved the case on ILO/IMO data base, copy enclosed.
26 March 2026: International Transport Workers' Federation
11 crew members repatriated. ITF covered the costs for the Indian crew, who repatriated without wages. 2 Ukrainian crew members we’re repatriated with full owed wages
Disputed.
20 March 2026: Other
(From the Master, M.V. Mister Yunis)
I would like to formally inform you that all crew members of M/V MISTER YUNIS have now received their outstanding salaries in full. I also confirm that I have received my own pending wages.
Furthermore, all crew members have been successfully repatriated to their respective home countries.
On behalf of myself and the entire crew, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for your continuous support, cooperation, and efforts throughout this difficult period. Your assistance has been instrumental in ensuring the welfare, safety, and rightful settlement of the crew.
We deeply appreciate the professionalism and commitment shown by all authorities involved in resolving this matter.
Thank you once again for your valuable support.
13 March 2026: Other
(From the Master, M.V. Mister Yunis)
With reference to the message circulated by the company regarding my previous report, I respectfully wish to clarify the following for the record:
1. My report to the relevant authorities, dated 05 March 2026, was submitted based on the situation existing at that time. As of that date, no salary payment had been received by me, and the crew had been experiencing prolonged delays in wage payments and repatriation arrangements.
2. Subsequently, on 11 March 2026, I received USD 7,150 in my personal bank account as a partial payment of my outstanding wages.
3. I acknowledge receipt of this partial payment. However, a significant portion of my contractual wages remains unpaid, and my repatriation arrangements have not yet been confirmed or completed.
4. For the sake of transparency, I would also like to clarify that the funds received were not transferred through the company’s normal payroll or contractual payment channel, and therefore cannot be formally documented as a full official salary settlement.
5. Additionally, the vessel continues to face serious operational and welfare difficulties, including shortages of essential supplies and limitations in maintaining normal living conditions onboard, which have been previously reported.
6. For the sake of transparency, I respectfully request that the concerned authorities continue to keep this matter under observation until the full settlement of outstanding wages and completion of my repatriation are confirmed.
7. As Master of the vessel, I remain committed to maintaining safety, compliance, and the welfare of the crew to the best of my ability under the present circumstances. I respectfully request the continued attention and guidance of the relevant authorities until the matters of outstanding wages, crew welfare, and my repatriation are fully resolved.
I remain fully willing to cooperate with the company and the authorities to ensure a professional and lawful resolution.
13 March 2026: Other
(From the Ocean soul ship management fzco)
I have reviewed the report you sent to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other authorities, in which you claim that you have not received any financial dues and that you have been abandoned. This report contains significant misrepresentations and deliberately ignores the facts and the true sequence of events that you are fully aware of.
I am compelled to restate the facts for you once again, based on the official documents in our possession:
First: The Replacement Captain Arrived and Suffered a Genuine Health Emergency.
As you are fully aware and were kept informed, the replacement captain we sent to relieve you did indeed arrive at the vessel. Unfortunately, immediately upon arrival, he suffered a sudden health emergency that required his transfer to the hospital for treatment. The official medical report from the hospital confirms his critical condition. Based on the medical board's report, he was deemed medically unfit to assume his duties and was repatriated to his home country for further treatment.
Second: 50% of Your Dues Were Paid After This Event.
After it was confirmed that the first replacement captain was unable to continue, and after he was repatriated, we immediately transferred the amount of USD 7,150 to your bank account on March 11, 2026. This represents 50% of your total outstanding dues. You personally signed a receipt acknowledging the receipt of this amount. We have this receipt in our possession. It is irrefutable proof that your claim to the authorities of receiving "nothing" is completely false.
Third: The Agreement Was Clear and Mutual.
It was agreed with you that the remaining 50% would be paid immediately upon the arrival of a new replacement captain and his taking over of duties from you. This is the agreement you acknowledged. You are now demanding full payment from us before the arrival of the replacement, while simultaneously concealing from the authorities the fact that you have already received half of your dues.
Fourth: The Status of the Vessel and Crew:
The vessel is currently undergoing legal procedures and inspections by local authorities (detention). We are making strenuous efforts to resolve these issues. Your submission of a false report to the IMO exposes the vessel, the crew, and the company to international scrutiny that could further complicate matters. This action is irresponsible and unethical.
Fifth: The Deliberate Misleading of Authorities:
Your claim that you have not received "anything" is:
1. Blatantly contrary to fact.
2. An abuse of international protection mechanisms. You are using a prestigious international organization to settle personal scores and conceal facts.
3. Damaging to your own credibility. When the authorities discover that you concealed the fact that you received half your dues, you will lose all credibility.
The Legal, Ethical Position, and Your Obligation:
We are committed to paying all your outstanding dues. This is a promise we keep. However, there must be mutual cooperation and respect for facts.
What is required from you immediately:
1. Immediately contact the IMO and other authorities and send a formal clarification stating:
o That you received 50% of your dues on March 11, 2026.
o That the delay in paying the remaining amount is due to a force majeure event (the first replacement captain's health emergency and his repatriation).
o That the agreement stipulates payment of the remaining amount upon the arrival of the new replacement.
2. Cooperate fully with us until the arrival of the new replacement captain (whom we are working to secure as quickly as possible). Upon his arrival and takeover of duties, the remaining amount will be transferred immediately, and your repatriation procedures will be completed.
If you do not comply, we will be forced to:
• Send all official documents in our possession (your receipt for the USD 7,150, the first replacement captain's medical reports, and correspondence regarding the agreement) to the IMO and all authorities you contacted, to clarify the truth about your misleading actions.
• Take legal action against you for making false reports, defamation, and deliberately obstructing the vessel's interests.
We understand your situation, but open doors for dialogue and cooperation are far better than escalation based on incomplete or misleading information. We hope you will return to reason.
13 March 2026: Comoros
(From the Maritime Affairs of the Union of Comoros)
Thank you for message and information provided. Kindly redirect it to the following address :
info@comorosmaritime.org
The address above belonging to National Transport Authority which is performs duties of the Maritime Administration of the Union of Comoros.
Remain in your disposal for any more assistance you may require.
13 March 2026: Other
(From the Master, M.V. Mister Yunis)
I would like to respectfully inform your office that today the vessel owner contacted me by telephone and expressed anger regarding my communications with the authorities concerning the current situation onboard M/V MISTER YUNIS.
During the conversation, the owner accused me of betraying the company and stated that I am eating on his ship while reporting matters to the Harbour Master, IMO, and other authorities.
I would like to clarify that all communications sent by me were made strictly in my professional capacity as Master of the vessel and in accordance with my obligations under international maritime regulations regarding crew welfare, unpaid wages, and safety conditions onboard.
My only intention has been to ensure transparency and to protect the safety, welfare, and legal rights of the crew members.
I respectfully request that this matter be noted on record as I am continuing to perform my duties as Master under difficult circumstances.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
12 March 2026: International Maritime Organisation
I herewith forward an urgent request for your information and action, as appropriate, that IMO received from ***, Master – M/V MISTER YUNIS, currently at Tuzla Anchorage concerning General Cargo Ship ‘MISTER YUNIS’, IMO Number 9327126, Flag: Comoros, having on board 11 seafarers from India (9) and Ukraine (3) who were abandoned in Tuzla, Türkiye on 1 June 2025. There are outstanding wages for 5 months. The master and chief Engineer out of contract and awaiting repatriation. The insurer is: UNKNOWN
I duly note the urgency of the matter, please note that all information received will be duly recorded on the joint ILO/IMO database on abandonment of seafarers.
12 March 2026: Other
(From the Master, M.V. Mister Yunis)
I am writing to formally inform you of the current critical situation onboard M/V MISTER YUNIS (Comoros flag) and request your urgent guidance and intervention.
As of now:
1. Outstanding Wages
- Crew salaries have not been paid for the last 4–5 months.
- Despite repeated promises, the company has not made any payments.
- 9 Indian crew have been repatriated without receiving any salaries.
- Only two crew members remain onboard: myself (Master) and the Second Engineer.
- Authorities have allowed 11 new crew to join, one of whom left due to a medical emergency.
2. Payments to Other Parties
While crew wages remain unpaid, the following parties have already received payments:
- Tuzla Harbour Master penalties: USD 57,800
- Capella Marin Ship Agency (local agent): USD 26,970
- Phorcys Gemi Acenteligi: EUR 11,922
- Demap Taking Makina: USD 36,350
3. Fuel and Living Conditions
- In the meantime, 2,000 liters of diesel oil and provisions were delivered.
- Despite this, living conditions remain poor:
- Heating is insufficient
- Cooking is limited
- Sanitation and hygiene are inadequate
- Crew morale is extremely low and mental stress is increasing
4. Repatriation Requests
- Several crew members, including myself, have formally requested repatriation, but no action has been taken. Only verbal assurances have been given.
5. Company Non-Compliance
- The ship management continues to delay solutions, avoid responsibilities, and lacks transparency.
- I joined this vessel without being informed of prior operational or crew-related issues. Had I known, I would not have accepted this assignment.
Given the above, I respectfully request your urgent intervention to ensure:
- Immediate settlement of outstanding crew wages
- Adequate and continuous fuel and provisions to meet basic living standards
- Repatriation arrangements for crew members requesting to leave
- Guidance on the auction process and steps we should take in the meantime
- Investigation into the ship management and owners for repeated non-compliance
The situation onboard is no longer sustainable and poses serious risks to crew welfare, safety, and basic human dignity. I am prepared to provide supporting evidence, including correspondence, photographs, and records, if required.
Your urgent support and guidance in this matter will be highly appreciated.
8 January 2026: India
(From the Directorate General of Shipping)
I am directed to request that you kindly provide the latest crew list presently onboard the vessel M.V. Mister Yunis (IMO 9327126) for further necessary action.
8 January 2026: Other
(From the Master, M.V. Mister Yunis)
This is to provide an urgent update regarding the situation onboard M.V. Mister Yunis (IMO 9327126).
Yesterday, the vessel received approximately 50 MT of fresh water, along with drinking water and limited provisions. While this assistance is acknowledged, the core issues remain unresolved. We are still awaiting diesel oil supply, payment of outstanding wages, and repatriation of the remaining crew.
The crew has completely lost trust in the company due to repeated promises and false commitments that have not been fulfilled over an extended period.
Out of the original 9 Indian seafarers, 7 remain onboard, and despite partial crew changes, the fundamental problems persist. New crew members, including myself as Master, are now facing the same conditions—continuous shortages, unpaid salaries, and uncertainty—exactly as experienced by previous crews.
The situation has now reached a critical safety and compliance level:
1. The vessel has no diesel oil
AIS is switched off.
2. GPS and all communications are non-operational.
3. The vessel is effectively without navigational capability or emergency readiness.
These conditions pose a serious risk to life, vessel safety, and environmental protection, and clearly meet the criteria of seafarer abandonment under MLC, 2006.
In view of the above, we urgently request:
Immediate intervention by the ITF and concerned authorities
Emergency diesel oil supply to restore minimum safe operations
Settlement of all outstanding wages without further delay
Immediate repatriation of the remaining crew to their home countries
We respectfully emphasize that the situation onboard is no longer sustainable, and any further delay may lead to severe consequences.
We kindly request your urgent verification and decisive action.
6 January 2026: International Labour Organization
Thank you for your message and for bringing this critical situation to our attention.
M.V. Mister Yunis (IMO 9327126) was reported to the ILO by the ITF on 15 September 2025 and is currently registered in the ILO/IMO Joint Database on Cases of Abandonment of Seafarers. As of 1 June 2025, the vessel was at Tuzla anchorage, Türkiye, associated with crew from India (9) and Ukraine (2). According to available information, the ITF updated the case status to "disputed" on 13 November 2025, noting that the Master and Chief Engineer have been repatriated with their owed wages, but 9 Indian seafarers remain onboard without payment and are awaiting repatriation. Additionally, the Directorate General of Shipping, India, reported on 11 December 2025 that they are taking necessary actions to resolve this case.
Further details can be accessed via the following link: Mister Yunis - Comoros - 1 June 2025. Your current request will also be entered into the joint database.
Please note that the ILO is not mandated to intervene in individual labour disputes or to provide direct assistance in specific cases.
Therefore, we kindly request that the ITF, as the reporter of this case, and the Indian authorities, as the administration for the remaining seafarers onboard, take the necessary actions. Considering the urgency of this matter, we request your immediate verification and intervention.
We wish the seafarers the best for their safety and health, and thank you for your cooperation.
5 January 2026: Other
(From the Master, M.V. Mister Yunis)
I am writing to formally bring to your attention the extremely serious and deteriorating situation faced by the Master and crew of M.V. Mister Yunis (IMO No. 9327126), currently at Tuzla anchorage.
Our vessel is facing conditions amounting to seafarer abandonment and grave violations of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006). Despite repeated notifications to the shipowner, managers, local agents, port authorities, flag State (Comoros), and other relevant bodies, no effective assistance has been provided.
The current situation onboard includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- No fresh drinking water available onboard
- Severe shortage of diesel/bunker fuel, rendering generators unreliable
- No electricity for extended periods
- Inability to cook food or maintain basic hygiene
- Crew has not been able to shower for several days
- No valid P&I insurance
- Non-responsiveness and negligence from the shipowner/company
- Mental and physical distress among crew members
- The Master has formally requested repatriation due to unsafe and inhumane conditions
These conditions pose a direct threat to life, safety, health, and human dignity and are in clear violation of MLC 2006 Regulations 2.5, 3.1, 4.1, and 4.2, among others.
The crew and I have exhausted all possible internal and local channels. The lack of action from the responsible company has left us with no alternative but to seek urgent intervention from the International Labour Organization.
We respectfully request the ILO’s immediate attention and intervention to:
- Protect the rights and welfare of the seafarers onboard
- Ensure urgent supply of essentials (water, fuel, provisions)
- Facilitate crew repatriation where requested
- Hold the responsible shipowner and management accountable
We are prepared to provide all supporting evidence, including photographs, logbook entries, messages, and correspondence, upon request.
We sincerely hope for your urgent support to prevent further deterioration of this humanitarian and safety crisis.
11 December 2025: India
from the Directorate General of Shipping.
This is to inform you that the Directorate General of Shipping has initiated multiple actions to expedite the repatriation and wage settlement of the affected seafarers.
The following steps have been undertaken:
1. Letters have been issued to the concerned RPSL companies directing them to expedite the repatriation process and ensure timely settlement of wages.
2. The Directorate Seamen’s Employment Office (DSEO) has been instructed to:
◦ Intimate the concerned parties regarding the case,
◦ Follow up regularly with the respective RPSL companies, and
◦ Conduct hearings with the RPSL companies wherever required.
3. The MEA (Division-wise) has been informed about the case to facilitate additional details and necessary coordination.
4. A Demi-Official (DO) letter has been issued to the MoPSW for their intimation and further guidance.
Kindly find attached the excel sheet with case wise updates. It is our humble request to update this in the IMO/ILO Joint database under comments and observation section. We will also be sending regular updates regarding each case as and when we get case notifications so that it can be uploaded in the comments and observation section.
This coordinated approach is aimed at ensuring timely resolution of the matter.
Please let me know if any further information is required.
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Letters issued to the concerned RPSL Companies , DSEO, MEA Division wise and DO letter issued to the Ministry
13 November 2025: International Transport Workers' Federation
The Master and C/E have been repatriated with their owed wages, but 9 Indian seafarers remain on-board without payment and are awaiting repatriation.
Disputed.