ITF condemns forced disembarkation of fishers being held in Bushehr, Iran.
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) demands immediate action to resolve the abandonment of two Ethiopian fishers who faced modern slavery on board the Iran-flagged FV Dargahan 13 (IMO 7105299).
The fishers were forcibly removed from the vessel – currently in Bandar Abbas Port, Iran – after joining it in December 2024 and working 11 months on board – nine of which they received no pay for. They are owed a total of USD 1,800 each – based off a wage of only USD 200 per month, far below the expected minimum monthly wage for seafarers.
“This is a severe case of abandonment and modern slavery,” said Mohamed Arrachedi, ITF Flag of Convenience (FOC) Network Coordinator for the Arab World and Iran.
“The owners are acting with complete impunity under the Iranian flag, exploiting these innocent migrant fishers and denying them their most basic human rights — to fair pay, safety and repatriation.”
The ITF reported the FV Dargahan 13 as an abandonment case on the joint International Maritime Organization/International Labour Organization abandonment database.
Since their forced removal from the vessel, the two fishers have been held in Bushehr city, reportedly in a facility linked to the vessel’s local agents.
Videos obtained by the ITF show the moment of their forced disembarkation. Since then, the fishers have described facing severe intimidation and abuse. The men are depressed, fearful and have no clear path to resolve their abandonment.
Despite repeated ITF interventions with the shipowner, vessel managers, Iranian maritime authorities and the local agents, there has been no settlement or payment.
“The ITF strongly condemns this treatment and we demand that the Iranian maritime authorities and all parties involved ensure the immediate payment of wages and the safe repatriation of these innocent seafarers,” said Arrachedi.
“All responsible parties — including the owners, local agents, and relevant authorities — must immediately guarantee the safety and security of these men.”
ENDS
About the ITF: The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is a democratic, affiliate-led federation recognised as the world’s leading transport authority. We fight passionately to improve workers’ lives, connecting more than 730 affiliated trade unions from over 150 countries to secure rights, equality and justice for workers globally. We are the voice for more than 16.5 million transport workers across the world.
Media contact: Mark Dearn +44 7738 832 413 media@itf.org.uk
