A long-standing case of crew abandonment due to a legal deadlock has finally been resolved, thanks to the proactive intervention of the Directorate General of Shipping and support of International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and the National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI).
9 Indonesian seafarers, detained and arrested on MV Sencer 1 (ex-Zanzibar-flagged) at Mumbai Port for past one year, are finally returning home.
The vessel was detained and placed under arrest at Mumbai Port anchorage following a legal dispute, after it was declared unseaworthy.
Responding to a distress appeal from the Indonesian Consulate, DG Shipping stepped in to resolve the crisis. This humanitarian breakthrough was made possible by the bold initiative of DG Shipping India, with strong support from NUSI, ITF, the maritime industry, and legal backing from the Hon’ble Bombay High Court.
* Supported vessels shifting to sheltered anchorage at Reti Bunder, Mumbai
* Mobilised NUSI to provide food and support
* Coordinated replacement crew, their wages with NUSI and RPS VRM support
* Facilitated safe repatriation
* Facilitated for food, water & provisions etc. for the replacement crew till the vessel is auctioned and sold
Capt. Daniel Joseph, Dy. Director General of Shipping, personally visited the Indonesian Consulate in Mumbai to bid farewell to the crew and wish them renewed strength at sea.
The seafarers will be repatriated to Indonesia on the morning of 01 July 2025, reuniting with their families after a long ordeal.
A powerful example for maritime nations, researchers of the Human Element at Sea, and future submissions to ILO on abandonment solutions.
This landmark action can serve as a model for resolving similar cases where legal impasse leads to crew hardship.
