Seafarers Abandoned Without Pay On Aging Tugboat After Flag Change In U.S.

Four seafarers from Colombia, Panama, and Peru have been abandoned without pay on a 60-year-old tugboat in an alarming case of maritime exploitation in the USA.

The vessel, Wycliffe, recently changed its flag to Vanuatu, enabling it to evade more stringent US labour and safety regulations, with its crew subsequently left stranded in Puget Sound, Washington.

The crew members faced dire conditions, including inadequate food, limited access to medical care, and insufficient water supplies during their onboard contract.

The situation reflects a troubling pattern of labour rights abuses within the global maritime industry.

ITF Inspector Cyrus Donato said: “The exploitation of seafarers undermines the integrity of the entire Puget Sound Marine Transportation system. The region prides itself on its maritime heritage and depends on seafarers as a vital part of its cultural identity.”

“The vessel’s owners strategically re-flagged the tugboat to Vanuatu to escape more rigorous US labour and safety standards. This cynical manoeuvre exemplifies how unscrupulous ship owners use ‘flags of convenience’ to minimise regulatory oversight and enhance profits at the expense of seafarers.

“Worse still, in this case, legal restrictions that trap foreign seafarers onboard have effectively turned their vessel into a prison.”

The seafarers were abandoned last week and were initially scheduled for deportation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. However, following intervention by the ITF, their departure was delayed until further wage payments were made.

“The crew is in a vulnerable position and lacks the protections typically afforded to US-based workers,” said Donato. “It is essential that they receive their complete compensation. Attempting to cut costs at the expense of the crew and then attempting to have them forcibly removed without settling their salaries is effectively a form of forced labour.”

The Wycliffe has a troubling history, with previous crews reported to have left the vessel due to safety concerns in October 2023 and May 2024. Additionally, the tugboat recently lost its tow contract with Washington State Ferries after a failed towing operation involving two retired ferries for a 34-day transit to Ecuador – where it is believed that the owner is based – for scrap.

One seafarer still aboard the vessel told the ITF: “The owner is just buying time by deceiving us. I no longer believe anything he says. We don’t know what steps to take to resolve our situation or how long it will take.”

A former crew member expressed concern about the impact on their visa status. They said: “I am worried about damage to my visa.

“If the owner harms my visa status, I won’t be able to do any more transits in the United States for work, which could destroy my ability to support my family.”

Press Release