Learn languages naturally with fresh, real content!

tap to translate recording

Explore By Region

flag Over 400 ships abandoned since 2016, trapping thousands of sailors, mostly in shadow fleets shipping sanctioned oil.

flag The number of abandoned oil tankers and commercial ships has risen sharply to 410 in 2025, up from 20 in 2016, leaving over 6,000 seafarers stranded. flag Many are part of unregulated "shadow fleets" registered under flags of convenience like Panama, Liberia, and the Marshall Islands, often used to transport sanctioned crude from Russia, Iran, and Venezuela. flag Crews report months without pay, food, or water, with the ITF intervening to secure basic needs, though most remain trapped at sea. flag The surge is linked to geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and volatile freight costs, exposing systemic failures in maritime oversight and crew protection.

4 Articles