Read Authentic Ratings for the Med-Sea-Lion

The ship registry of St. Kitts and Nevis is facing intense backlash for its alleged failure to support over 30 seafarers who are currently stranded. Critics claim that the registry has irresponsibly deregistered three vessels, leaving the crew onboard in a precarious situation. The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has sharply criticized this action, which they believe constitutes abandonment. The three vessels in question, the 'Med Sea Eagle' and 'Med Sea Fox' moored off the coast of Sharjah in the UAE since July 2023, as well as the 'Med Sea Lion' located in West Africa, are linked to the shipping company Sea Lion Shipping, which has seemingly abandoned the crews. The affected sailors have been enduring prolonged periods without pay, coupled with a complete lack of essential support for their health and welfare. Further complicating matters, earlier this year, a significant quantity of cocaine was discovered aboard the 'Med Sea Lion.' As supplies of food and water dwindle and many crew members face urgent medical needs, the situation has become increasingly critical. Disturbingly, one crew member from the 'Med Sea Eagle' even sought to harm themselves amid the overwhelming distress. ITF inspectors have noted a significant decline in the mental health of the seafarers involved. David Heindel, chair of the ITF seafarers’ section and president of the Seafarers International Union, stated, "St. Kitts and Nevis is playing fast and loose with international law... It is morally unacceptable to leave these seafarers to rot on stateless vessels. By merely deregistering these vessels, it should not relieve them of their obligations. If it’s that easy, what good do our international instruments provide in protecting seafarers?"

In a significant operation, the French frigate 'Premier L'Her' successfully intercepted over 4.7 tonnes of cocaine from the vessel 'Med Sea Lion' on April 5, 2023. This operation took place in the waters near coordinates 08°52'00'' N, 016°06'00'' W, off the coast of Sierra Leone. The seized narcotics, reportedly headed for the European market, were apprehended in a strategic collaboration between the French Navy, the National Directorate of Intelligence and Customs Investigations, and international agencies including the Brazilian Federal Police and Interpol. Following the seizure, the 'Med Sea Lion' was escorted to the Container Terminal in Freetown, where it was docked and stationary as of April 12.