The Star-Apollo: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

The SHREE VARSHA, a vessel flying the flag of Tuvalu and registered under IMO number 9644897, has been officially reported to the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) for abandonment. Ported in Mumbai, India, this alarming situation involves 12 seafarers who have been deprived of their wages for a staggering four months. These mariners, hailing from Indonesia, now find themselves in dire circumstances as the report was filed with the ITF on December 1, 2025. The case remains open as the ITF continues to address the distressing issue of abandoned crews globally, as highlighted in their Seafarers abandonment list.

A distressing situation has emerged for 15 Indian crew members aboard the 'Star Apollo' (IMO: Shree Varsha), who have gone months without any compensation. Their ordeal reflects an alarming trend of seafarer abandonment that the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) describes as increasingly serious. The 'Star Apollo' has been anchored at Batamec Shipyard since October 2024, leaving the crew, who commenced their contracts just four to eight months ago, without a paycheck during that time. In a poignant video supported by the ITF, the seafarers display handwritten messages revealing critical food shortages and intimidation from ship management when they question the status of their unpaid salaries. They are urgently seeking help from Indian labor unions and the vessel's flag state, hoping to return home with the wages they are owed. Earlier this year, the 'Star Apollo' was sold to Vindhyawashini Offshore, a Mumbai company, and is currently registered under the flag of St. Kitts and Nevis. Steve Trownsdale, the ITF Global Inspectorate Coordinator, has expressed concerns regarding the negative impact this situation is having on the crew's physical and mental wellbeing. The ITF is actively pursuing the recovery of nearly $80,000 in outstanding wages owed to these seafarers.

The plight of the 15 Indian crew members aboard the 'Star Apollo' is worsening as they remain unpaid since the commencement of their contracts, which range from four to eight months. Collectively, the crew is owed nearly $80,000 in unpaid salaries. Health issues are reportedly emerging among the crew members, as highlighted by the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF). Currently, the vessel is docked at Batamec Shipyard, and ITF Inspector Mohammad Gulam Ansari, who is advocating for the crew, condemned the situation, stating, "This is an Indian shipowner exploiting Indian seafarers, treating them like slaves. It’s another instance of an owner dodging accountability." Recent footage and photographs reveal the crew members displaying signs pleading for assistance. Some distressing messages include threats of having their Certificate of Competency (CoC) and INDoS numbers blocked if they continue to demand their salaries, along with grievances regarding inadequate provisions aboard the ship. The owner of 'Star Apollo' is Vindhyawashini Offshore. Additionally, the crew's signs pointed out the involvement of the RPSL agent, Avvic Ocean, and sourcing agent, Great India Shipmanagement, in this ongoing issue. For further details, see the report with photo: https://splash247.com/abandoned-osv-crew-take-to-social-media-to-get-paid/

The maritime community is alarmed by the latest report regarding the STAR APOLLO (IMO: 9644897), which has been flagged as abandoned by the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF). Registered under the flag of St. Kitts & Nevis, this vessel is currently docked in Batam, Indonesia, where a serious situation is unfolding for its crew. The STAR APOLLO has reportedly not paid its 15 seafarers, all of whom hail from India, for a staggering five months. The distressing conditions faced by these crew members have been officially recorded, with the ITF being informed about this abandonment case on January 15, 2025. The current status of the case remains open as the ITF continues to seek resolution. This case is part of the ITF's ongoing efforts to monitor and address crew abandonment incidents internationally, ensuring that seafarers are treated fairly and compensated for their hard work at sea. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the evolving scenario aboard the STAR APOLLO, highlighting the vital need for reforms in maritime labor practices.