The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has successfully facilitated the safe repatriation of 12 stranded foreign seafarers who had been abandoned aboard the MV Rahaf Moon in Ghanaian waters, following months of coordinated humanitarian and regulatory intervention.
The vessel, registered under the flag of St. Kitts and Nevis, was identified in Ghanaian waters on January 20, 2026, after its owner, ATSE Global Shipping Company Limited, ceased providing support, leaving the crew stranded under difficult conditions.
The crew, made up of nine Indian nationals, two Azerbaijanis and one Turkish national, reportedly endured months of hardship, including limited access to food and fresh drinking water, while unpaid wages accumulated to more than US$150,000.
The Ghana Maritime Authority, working closely with the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), the 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, coordinated efforts to ensure the crew’s welfare and compliance with international maritime obligations.
According to the GMA, emergency supplies, including food, potable water, fuel and other essential provisions, were delivered to the stranded crew while measures were implemented to maintain the vessel’s safety and operational integrity.
“The welfare of seafarers remains a top priority for the Ghana Maritime Authority. This intervention reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting the rights and wellbeing of all seafarers in accordance with international maritime conventions,” the Authority said.
The Authority noted that the collaborative intervention resulted in the recovery of four months of outstanding salaries for the crew before they were safely repatriated to their respective home countries on July 23, 2026.
It explained that under international maritime law, the seafarers’ remaining wage claims remain protected and would receive priority during the legal settlement of claims against the vessel.
“The successful payment of part of the outstanding wages and the safe return of the crew demonstrate what can be achieved through strong collaboration among national institutions, diplomatic missions and international maritime partners,” the GMA stated.
The MV Rahaf Moon is currently under the custody of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and is undergoing legal processes towards a judicial sale.
The proceeds from the sale are expected to be used to settle outstanding wage claims and other approved claims in accordance with applicable maritime laws.
Following the departure of the crew, the GMA directed the deployment of a qualified Ghanaian skeletal crew to maintain the vessel’s security and essential onboard operations while legal proceedings continue.
“The Ghana Maritime Authority will continue to uphold international maritime standards and ensure that Ghana remains a responsible maritime nation that safeguards the dignity, safety and welfare of seafarers operating within its jurisdiction,” the Authority added.
The successful resolution of the case has been widely regarded as a significant demonstration of Ghana’s commitment to humanitarian responsibility, international maritime law and the protection of seafarers’ rights through effective stakeholder collaboration.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
