Ghana Maritime Authority Facilitates Repatriation Of 12 Stranded Seafarers

The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has successfully facilitated the repatriation of 12 stranded seafarers aboard the MV Rahaf Moon through a coordinated humanitarian and regulatory intervention.

According to a statement issued by the Authority on August 10, 2026, the vessel, registered under the flag of St. Kitts & Nevis, was identified in Ghanaian waters on January 20, 2026, after support from its owner, ATSE Global Shipping Company Limited, ceased, leaving the crew in difficult conditions.

The crew, made up of nine Indians, two Azerbaijanis, and one Turkish national, faced prolonged hardship, including restricted access to food and fresh water, with unpaid wages exceeding US$150,000.

In response, the GMA mobilised a broad network of stakeholders including the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), Point 3 Logistics, Boti Crew, the vessel’s Protection and Indemnity Club, legal representatives, the Indian High Commission, and the Turkish Embassy in Ghana to safeguard the welfare of the seafarers and ensure compliance with international maritime obligations.

Through this collaboration, emergency assistance such as food, water, fuel, and other essential supplies was provided, while arrangements were made to maintain the safety and operational integrity of the vessel.

The intervention also led to the recovery of four months of outstanding wages for the crew before their safe repatriation to their home countries on July 23, 2026.

Under international maritime law, seafarers’ wage claims remain protected and will continue to receive priority during the legal settlement of claims against the vessel.

The MV Rahaf Moon, currently under the custody of the GPHA, is undergoing legal processes towards a judicial sale, with the remaining wage claims to be addressed through those proceedings.

Following the crew’s departure, the GMA directed the deployment of a qualified Ghanaian skeletal crew to maintain security and essential onboard operations.

The Authority is also establishing a legal framework to manage proceeds from any future judicial sale of the vessel, including the settlement of approved expenses and maintenance-related claims.

Click to read more: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/