The unjust detention of seafarers is a growing crisis that places an immense psychological burden on those unfairly detained, according to the Asian Shipowners’ Association.

The group highlighted the case of a Chinese master who spent two years in a Honduras jail without being put on trial.

Cultural values rewrite seafarer support in Asia, says MHSS’ Stella Kiss
 Read more

Captain Yu Yihai, the former master of the 31,600-dwt bulker Mount Hikurangi (built 2013), was held for two years after authorities in Puerto Cortes discovered hidden bags of cocaine while the cargo was being discharged from the bulk carrier

He was finally released after two years in August 2023 after intervention from shipping and labour bodies.

“Behind every case of detention is a human story of hardship and uncertainty,” the association’s insurance and liability committee said after meeting in Hong Kong.

“Families are torn apart, children are left without parents, and livelihoods are jeopardised. The psychological toll on seafarers, who often endure harsh working conditions, is immense.

“This situation is not just a legal issue but a profound human rights concern that demands immediate attention.”

The association said that recent incidents had highlighted the vulnerability of seafarers in countries which had “limited experience” in maritime law and with legal systems ill-equipped to deal with complex cases.

TradeWinds has highlighted the case of Chinese Captain Zhang Deyi, the former master of the 82,000-dwt bulker Ever Judger (built 2014), who has been detained in Indonesia since May 2018.

He was blamed and convicted for a dragging anchor that broke an oil pipeline and led to an explosion that killed five Indonesian fishermen.

Lawyers for the ship’s owner, Everest Shipping, said he was sentenced to a a decade in prison for a “slip of the tongue” after he mistakenly asked for the anchor to be lowered further than he intended.

Read more