What Crew Members Say About Maria

The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) has highlighted a serious case of crew abandonment involving the vessel MARIA (IMO: 9041772). This alarming report, filed on March 1, 2026, details the distressing situation faced by the crew members of the MARIA, which is under the flag of Guinea-Bissau and currently docked in Lagos, Nigeria. The vessel has a total of 23 seafarers on board, who have reportedly been denied their wages for the past five months. The crew comprises skilled individuals from various nationalities, including India, Pakistan, and Syria. This abandonment case is now officially open, and the ITF maintains an updated Seafarers' abandonment list to monitor such instances globally, ensuring that the rights and welfare of maritime professionals are prioritized. The increasing number of abandonment cases remains a significant concern, highlighting the pressing need for regulatory reforms in the maritime industry.

On December 8, 2025, the 'Maria' was halted at the bustling Port of Apapa in Lagos after a rigorous inspection conducted by officials under the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding. This inspection revealed a series of safety deficiencies—seven in total—that necessitated the immediate detention of the ship. The 'Maria,' which docked on December 3 after its journey from Safi, has remained stationary at the port as of December 11, raising concerns about maritime safety standards and regulatory compliance in the region.

In a recent maritime transaction, a vessel has been successfully sold to buyers in Turkey for a total of $4.8 million. This acquisition marks a significant move in the shipping industry, reflecting the ongoing demand for maritime assets in the region.