Four Indian seafarers repatriated after 10-month abandonment aboard cargo vessel in Turkey

Four Indian seafarers have finally been repatriated after spending nearly ten months aboard the abandoned cargo vessel AZRA C anchored in Turkey's Sea of Marmara, highlighting the growing global problem of ship abandonment.

The Mongolia-flagged vessel had remained stranded off Istanbul since August 2025 after its owners became embroiled in an international drug-trafficking investigation. While most crew members were repatriated earlier, four Indian seafarers were required to stay onboard to maintain minimum safety and operational requirements under maritime regulations.

According to reports, the crew endured months without wages and faced shortages of fuel, water and essential supplies. Intervention by Turkish authorities, the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) and Indian officials ultimately facilitated their evacuation and return home.

The case underscores a wider industry concern. ITF data shows that vessel abandonment reached record levels in 2025, affecting more than 6,000 seafarers globally, with Indian nationals among the most impacted groups. Turkey recorded the highest number of abandonment cases during the year.