Ocean Force
7 seafarers abandoned on the Ocean Force (IMO 8215613, flag Belize) in PhiladelphiaUSA, United States of America, 1 January 2022. ILO case 622, status: Resolved.
- Status
- Resolved
- Abandonment ID
- 622
- IMO Number
- 8215613
- Flag
- Belize
- Port of Abandonment
- PhiladelphiaUSA, United States of America
- Abandonment Date
- 1 January 2022
- Notification Date
- 6 February 2022
- Seafarers
- 7
- Reporting Org.
- International Transport Workers' Federation
Circumstances
The vessel has been under arrest by Charterer since, Feb 2021. Wages and repatriation has been slow during the year.
January 27th,2022 the ITF was called by Master asking for help, the vessel had NO heat for 4 days and wages have not been paid since November 2021.
January 28th, Captain informed that the vessel was out of water, crew had not showered in 4 days. No drinking water for a day prior to arrival at dock. Other mechanical issues discussed with the USCG
Updates
23 March 2023: International Transport Workers' Federation
Seafarers have received their outstanding wages
22 July 2022: International Transport Workers' Federation
Vessel was sold in March 2022 and registered under the St. Kitts & Nevis flag. It is currently on its way to Turkey for an overhaul.
The 7 crew on board were able to stay in the US, as they met the guidelines for special parole at the time. The vessel has been sold and the crew received their wages.
6 February 2022: International Transport Workers' Federation
The ITF have been following this case since March 2021. Wages, repatriation and provision orders have been slow, but have not fallen to abandonment status until now.
Vessel has been at deep anchorage most of the time, difficult to visit crew. Once the initial 6 crew signed off, there was no further communication from the crew, until January 26th when new Captain called.
Safe manning was reduced to 7 in August 2021.
Once repatriated, the crew are required to report to office in Odessa to be paid final wage in cash in person.
The ITF remain in contact with Belize flag and the attorney, periodically getting up dates on this case.