Kenyan seafarers return home after abandonment in Oman, await unpaid wages of Sh1.6M

Four Kenyan seafarers, abandoned in Oman, have returned home but are still awaiting eight months of unpaid wages amounting to Sh1,642,500 (US $11,500).

The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) revealed that the quartet, Omar Mawema Mwalimu, Nuru Salim Mwamba, Vihir Hamisi Juma, and Abdulrahman Idd, were recruited in March 2023 by TG Blue Treasure Seafood Inc. to work on the Fishing Vessel Saharia, registered in Somalia.

On July 19, 2024, the Seafarers Union of Kenya (SUK) reported their abandonment to KMA and established that the seafarers were not engaged through KMA-licensed recruitment services, raising concerns about their welfare.

Upon consultations, the seafarers informed the KMA that they had not been paid for eight months and had reported their situation to the Harbour Master in the Port of Daqm, Oman.

“In line with the Authority's mandate in ensuring the welfare of Seafarers, Kenya Maritime Authority reached out to the seafarers, who informed us that they have not been paid their wages for 8 months, amounting to a total of USD 11,500.00,” KMA stated.

KMA also confirmed that the seafarers reported their abandonment to the Harbour Master in the Port of Daqm which falls under the Ministry of Transport in the Kingdom of Oman and that they had a valid Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC).

Following the report, KMA coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs to facilitate their repatriation.

The collaboration was successful, and the four seafarers arrived back in Kenya on July 25, 2023, reuniting with their families.

Despite their safe return, the issue of unpaid wages remains unresolved.

One of the seafarers, Nuru Salim Mwamba, visited the KMA headquarters for a consultative meeting on how to file wage claims under the maritime lien.

“During the meeting, our officers also held a virtual discussion with the Chief Engineer on the modalities for the Seafarers to cess their wages and future engagements. KMA will continue to work closely with key industry players in pursuing the payment of the pending wages of the Seafarers,” KMA noted.