Al Veer
16 seafarers abandoned on the Al Veer (IMO 9378266, flag Bahamas) in Khorfakkan, United Arab Emirates, 1 March 2026. ILO case 1707, status: Unresolved.
- Status
- Unresolved
- Abandonment ID
- 1707
- IMO Number
- 9378266
- Flag
- Bahamas
- Port of Abandonment
- Khorfakkan, United Arab Emirates
- Abandonment Date
- 1 March 2026
- Notification Date
- 7 May 2026
- Seafarers
- 16
- Reporting Org.
- International Transport Workers' Federation
Circumstances
Outstanding wages between 2 and 3 months. Some of the crew contracts have expired and seeking help to be repatriated
Seafarers applied to insurer?: Yes
Insurance certificate dates: 1st January 2026 to 31st December 2026
Updates
21 August 2026: International Maritime Organisation
The information received is duly noted and will be recorded on the joint IMO/ILO database of abandonment of seafarers. I here with would like to invite ITF, who initially reported this abandonment case, to inform about the current status of the vessel.
21 August 2026: Bahamas
(From the Bahamas Maritime Authority)
We are pleased to inform you that all crew members of M/T Al Veer (IMO No. 9378266) have now received payment of their outstanding wages and were successfully repatriated by 7 August 2026.
We further understand that the vessel has since been sold to a new owner and that the process of transferring the vessel to a new flag administration is underway.
The Bahamas Maritime Authority sincerely appreciates the cooperation, support, and commitment demonstrated by all stakeholders involved in resolving this abandonment case, including the financial security provider, correspondents, crew representatives, and the relevant authorities. Their collective efforts have contributed significantly to achieving a satisfactory outcome for the affected seafarers.
In light of the above, we kindly request that this case be recorded as resolved in the IMO/ILO Joint Database on Abandonment of Seafarers, reflecting that all outstanding wages have been settled and all crew members have been repatriated.
Thank you for your assistance and cooperation throughout this case.
19 June 2026: Bahamas
(From the Bahamas Maritime Authority)
We write to provide an update regarding the abandonment case of M/V Al Veer (IMO No. 9378266).
The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) has now received confirmation that the American Steamship Owners Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association, Inc. (the American Club) has commenced payment of outstanding crew wages in accordance with the MLC financial security provisions.
In addition, we wish to bring to your attention an unsolicited communication received via the Club’s local correspondents from the Master of the vessel, acknowledging the support provided and confirming the payments to the crew.
A copy of the Master’s message is reproduced below for ease of reference:
"On behalf of the entire crew of Al Veer, I would like to express our sincere gratitude. These funds are extremely important for us and our families, and we truly appreciate your continuous support… Thank you again for your support — it is truly relieving news for the whole crew."
— Master, M/T Al Veer, Capt. *** (17 June 2026)
This development is a positive step towards resolving the case, and the BMA continues to closely monitor the situation to ensure that all outstanding wages are fully settled and the repatriation of the seafarers is completed without delay.
In light of the above, we kindly request that this progress be reflected in the IMO/ILO Joint Database on Abandonment of Seafarers, noting that initial wage payments have commenced as of 17 June 2026.
We will continue to keep you informed of further developments.
15 June 2026: Bahamas
(From the Bahamas Maritime Authority)
We acknowledge receipt of your notification concerning the case of the M/T Al Veer (IMO No. 9378266), currently recorded in the restricted section of the IMO/ILO Joint Database on Abandonment of Seafarers.
In accordance with your request, please find below the Bahamas Maritime Authority’s (BMA) comments for verification and inclusion in the database:
QUOTE
Flag State Comments – Bahamas Maritime Authority:
The BMA has formally reviewed the case and confirms that the situation meets the definition of abandonment in accordance with Regulation 2.5.2 and Standard A2.5.2 of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended (MLC, 2006), due to the non-payment of contractual wages for a period exceeding two (2) months.
The Authority has taken immediate and ongoing measures to safeguard the welfare and well-being of all seafarers onboard. Arrangements have been made to ensure the continuous provision of essential supplies, including adequate food and drinking water, as well as fuel necessary to maintain critical onboard services such as air conditioning.
All statutory trading certificates of the vessel have been withdrawn, and the vessel has been prohibited from sailing from Khorfakkan, United Arab Emirates, until such time as all outstanding wages have been settled and the affected crew members have been safely repatriated.
The BMA has formally notified the designated financial security provider, the American Steamship Owners Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association, Inc. (the American Club), and has required immediate action in accordance with MLC Regulation 2.5.2 and Standard A2.5.2 to:
• Settle all outstanding wages;
• Reimburse any repatriation expenses incurred by seafarers; and
• Arrange the prompt and safe repatriation of all affected crew members.
Notwithstanding repeated correspondence and formal notice, the financial security provider has, to date, failed to discharge its obligations under the Convention in a timely manner. In response to the above, the BMA has taken regulatory action by suspending the acceptance of financial security certificates issued by the provider until further notice and continues to pursue all available measures to ensure compliance. However, the insurer has now indicated that it will arrange payment of the outstanding wages within the next five (5) working days should the shipowner fail to effect payment by today. The BMA will closely monitor compliance with this undertaking.
A BMA Flag State Inspector is scheduled to attend the vessel tomorrow (16 June 2026) to verify the crew’s welfare and assess the condition of the vessel. The situation remains under close monitoring by the Authority, with crew welfare maintained as the highest priority while efforts continue to secure payment of outstanding wages and repatriation.
UNQUOTE
We trust the above satisfies the Secretariat’s verification requirements. Kindly include these comments in the relevant entry of the IMO/ILO Joint Database.
The BMA remains fully committed to cooperating with the IMO, ILO, and all relevant stakeholders to ensure the prompt resolution of this case and will provide further updates as necessary.