Takeaways from The Associated Press' reporting on seafarers who are abandoned by shipowners in ports

abcnews.go.com:

The United Nations over the last decade has logged an increasing number of crew members abandoned by shipowners around the world

The United Nations over the last decade has logged an increasing number of crew members abandoned by shipowners around the world, leaving sailors aboard months and sometimes years without pay.

More than 2,000 seafarers on some 150 ships were abandoned last year. And the problem shows no signs of abating.

Here are takeaways from The Associated Press’ reporting on abandoned seafarers:

The number of cases is at its highest since the United Nations' labor and maritime organizations began tracking abandonments 20 years ago. The numbers spiked during the global pandemic and continued to rise as inflation and logistical bottlenecks increased costs for shipowners.

One reason for the increase in the number of cases in recent years is better reporting efforts by the International Maritime Organization and the International Labor Organization — the two U.N. agencies responsible for tracking abandonments. With seafarer advocates, they’ve worked to identify cases and assist abandoned crews.

Owners abandon ships and crews for many reasons.

Advocates for workers say shipowners often take advantage of crew members when they are hit by rising fuel costs, debt or unexpected repairs. Some owners vow to pay when their finances turn around.

Cases jumped in the early days of the pandemic, at a time when canceled shipments, port delays and quarantine restrictions pushed shipping traffic into disarray. At the same time, demand for products by consumers stuck at home led to a rush of new orders for ships. But global trade soon shrank, and combined with spikes in fuel and labor costs, many of those new vessels are now