The Sona: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

The 'Axon I', a liquefied petroleum gas carrier that has come under US sanctions, is currently navigating through the crucial Strait of Hormuz. The vessel, which departed from Fujairah, has indicated Sharjah as its intended destination, with an estimated time of arrival set for April 20, 2026. In close proximity, the medium-range oil tanker 'Starway' is also making its way through these strategic waters, signaling Hamriyah as its next port of call, highlighting the ongoing maritime activities in this vital shipping lane.

The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) has received a troubling report regarding the abandonment of the vessel SONA, registered under IMO number 9005053. This Panamanian-flagged ship, previously docked in Dubai, UAE, has been abandoned with its crew left in dire circumstances. As of June 1, 2023, the ship has not paid wages to its 27-member crew for an extensive period of seven months. The crew members hail from various nationalities, including India, the Philippines, and Ukraine, highlighting the international implications of such abandonment cases. The ongoing status of this case remains open, as the ITF continues to monitor and report on issues of crew abandonment around the globe. Such incidents not only put the welfare of seafarers at risk but also underscore the urgent need for more stringent regulations in the maritime industry.