Al 1
11 seafarers abandoned on the Al 1 (flag Haiti) in Male, Maldives, 1 December 2025. ILO case 1753, status: Unresolved.
- Status
- Unresolved
- Abandonment ID
- 1753
- Flag
- Haiti
- Port of Abandonment
- Male, Maldives
- Abandonment Date
- 1 December 2025
- Notification Date
- 17 June 2026
- Seafarers
- 11
- Reporting Org.
- International Transport Workers' Federation
Circumstances
IMO: N/A
Vessel type: Oil Tanker
Outstanding wages between 5 and 8 months. Food shortage reported on the vessel
Seafarers applied to insurer?: No
Insurance certificate dates: 12th January 2026 to 11th April 2026
Updates
28 July 2026: International Maritime Organisation
AI 1/AL 1 does not have an IMO number (both versions were checked) so there is no information to trace the credentials of the ship in either GISIS or Equasis.
6 July 2026: International Transport Workers' Federation
(From the Inspector)
We respectfully write to seek your immediate humanitarian intervention regarding the extremely critical and life-threatening situation of 20 Indian seafarers abandoned on board the vessels KG 1 (IMO No. 8921327) and AL 1, presently lying at anchorage off Malé, Republic of Maldives.
According to the information available to us, both vessels entered Maldivian waters without the required pre-arrival notification and allegedly violated the customs regulations of the Government of Maldives. However, the crew acted strictly under the instructions of the vessel's management and had no authority over the operational decisions of the company. They simply complied with the lawful orders given by their employer and should not be made to suffer the consequences of actions beyond their control.
It has also been reported that the vessels' AIS tracking systems were switched off before arrival. Although the Maldives Customs authorities conducted an investigation and reportedly found no prohibited or illegal cargo on board, both vessels continue to remain at anchorage.
Unfortunately, this situation has now gone far beyond a regulatory or administrative matter. It has become a grave humanitarian emergency demanding immediate international attention.
The 20 Indian seafarers (9 on KG 1 and 11 on AL 1) are facing complete abandonment in violation of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006). They have been deprived of the most basic necessities required for human survival, including:
• No food.
• No safe drinking water.
• No fuel.
• No electricity, as both vessels are in complete blackout condition.
• No essential supplies necessary for their health, safety and survival.
The crew has informed us that they have been without adequate food and safe drinking water for the past three days. Out of sheer desperation, they are being forced to consume dirty and contaminated water that is unfit for human consumption. No seafarer, regardless of nationality or circumstance, should ever be subjected to such inhumane and degrading conditions.
The situation is becoming increasingly dangerous due to adverse weather conditions. We have been informed that KG 1 has already lost its anchor, forcing both vessels to remain secured alongside each other merely to prevent drifting. Furthermore, the anchor of AL 1 is reportedly in a very poor condition and may fail at any moment. If this occurs, both powerless vessels could drift uncontrollably, collide with other ships, run aground, or cause a serious marine pollution incident. Most importantly, the lives of all 20 seafarers are at immediate risk.
Based on the latest information received from the crew, the vessel owner has already arrived in the Maldives and is prepared to pay any penalties or fines imposed by the competent authorities. The owner has also expressed willingness to arrange the immediate repatriation of all crew members together with payment of their outstanding wages. However, this process cannot proceed because a local shipping agent has not yet been permitted to act on behalf of the vessels. As a result, the crew continues to suffer without access to even their most basic humanitarian needs.
The seafarers are innocent victims of circumstances entirely beyond their control. They did not make navigational, commercial or regulatory decisions; they only performed their professional duties in good faith. It is therefore both unjust and inhumane for them to continue paying the price for matters for which they bear no responsibility.
In these extraordinary circumstances, we earnestly request your urgent intervention to:
1. Ensure the immediate delivery of food, safe drinking water, fuel, medicines and all essential humanitarian supplies to both vessels.
2. Facilitate the appointment of a local shipping agent to complete the necessary formalities with the Maldivian authorities.
3. Expedite all legal and administrative procedures to enable the safe repatriation of all 20 Indian seafarers at the earliest opportunity.
4. Ensure that every seafarer receives all outstanding wages and contractual entitlements before repatriation, in accordance with the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006.
5. Take all necessary measures to safeguard the lives of the crew and prevent any navigational or environmental disaster arising from the present condition of the vessels.
Every hour of delay increases the risk to human life. This is not merely a legal or administrative issue—it is a matter of humanity. Behind every seafarer is a family anxiously waiting for their loved one to return home safely. They deserve compassion, protection and justice.
Seafarers are the backbone of global trade, ensuring the uninterrupted movement of essential goods across the world. They dedicate their lives to serving the international maritime industry, often under extremely difficult conditions. When they face abandonment and distress, the global maritime community has a collective moral and legal responsibility to protect them.
We sincerely appeal to all the distinguished authorities addressed in this letter to act with urgency, compassion and coordination to save these 20 Indian seafarers and ensure their safe return to their families.
We remain hopeful that your timely humanitarian intervention will prevent further suffering and help resolve this crisis peacefully and in accordance with international law.
17 June 2026: International Transport Workers' Federation
Captain reported that he is owed from October 2025 to May 2026 and the rest of the crew are owed from December 2025 to May 2026