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Unity - - 1 March 2026 -  unresolved 

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Unity
 unresolved 
01653
9388792
Crude Oil Tanker
Zhoushan, China
AlfaStrakhovanie PLC (Russia)

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1 March 2026
4 March 2026
International Transport Workers' Federation
22
Russian Federation (22)

Circumstances

Flag: Zambia FALSE

Outstanding wages of 2 months

Seafarers applied to insurer?: No
Insurance certificate dates: 7th February 2025 to 6th February 2026

Case details

3 March 2026: Flag State informed
Contacted the owners, flag state and P&I club
4 March 2026: Repatriation pending

4 March 2026: Payment Pending
Outstanding wages:
US$200,400

Comments and observations

17 July 2026: International Maritime Organisation
The attached message and information from the China MSA, was received concerning Crude Oil Tanker ‘UNITY’, IMO Number 9388792, flag: Zambia FALSE, on IMO GISIS and Equasis before 1 August 2025: Gambia, having on board 22 seafarers from Russian Federation who were abandoned in Zhoushan, China on 1 March 2026. There are outstanding wages of 2 months and the vessel is lacking provisions on board. The insurer is: Alfastrakhovanie PLC. The vessel is currently under arrest at Paradip, India.

All received information will be recorded on the joint IMO/ILO database on abandonment of seafarers.


17 July 2026: China
(From the Maritime Safety Administration of the People’s Republic of China)

As the vessel is no longer in China, could you please update the port name in the database to reflect the vessel's current location?
Thank you for your assistance.


16 July 2026: International Maritime Organisation
I duly note that the Crude Oil Tanker ‘UNITY’, IMO Number 9388792, is currently under arrest at Paradip, India and I herewith forward this request to take urgent action, as appropriate to all responsible Member States and to extend all necessary assistance in conformity with the attached joint IMO/ILO Guidelines on how to deal with seafarer abandonment cases.


16 July 2026: Russian Federation
(From the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Kolkata, India)

The Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Kolkata has been closely monitoring the situation involving the Russian crew members serving on board M/T UNITY (IMO No. 9388792), currently under arrest at Paradip, India.

According to the information available to the Consulate, the employment contracts of the Russian seafarers have expired, substantial wage arrears remain outstanding, and the crew has remained on board well beyond their contractual period while awaiting repatriation.

We understand that the vessel has been recognized as an abandonment case and that arrangements are currently being coordinated by the financial security provider, the nominated representatives, the port authorities, and other concerned organizations.

Considering the prolonged duration of this case, the humanitarian concerns involved, and the physical as well as psychological hardship suffered by the crew after months of uncertainty, the Consulate respectfully requests all parties concerned to make every possible effort to complete the crew relief and repatriation process without further delay.

We would appreciate receiving an update on the current status of the repatriation arrangements, including the expected timeline for the disembarkation of the Russian seafarers and the settlement of their outstanding wages.

The Consulate remains ready to cooperate with all competent authorities and organizations to facilitate the prompt resolution of this humanitarian matter. We respectfully request the Directorate General of Shipping (India) and the Mercantile Marine Department (MMD), Kolkata, to extend all necessary assistance to ensure the early repatriation of the Russian crew members and the payment of their outstanding wages.

We trust that all necessary measures will be taken to safeguard the rights and welfare of the Russian seafarers in accordance with the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006) and other applicable international instruments.


16 July 2026: International Maritime Organisation
The attached message and urgent request for immediate intervention was received from the Master on behalf of crew and owners concerning Crude Oil Tanker ‘UNITY’, IMO Number 9388792, flag: Zambia FALSE, on IMO GISIS and Equasis before 1 August 2025: Gambia, having on board 22 seafarers from Russian Federation who were abandoned in Zhoushan, China on 1 March 2026. There are outstanding wages of 2 months and the vessel is lacking provisions on board. The insurer is: Alfastrakhovanie PLC.

I herewith forward this urgent request to all responsible Member States to take urgent action, as appropriate and in conformity with the attached joint IMO/ILO Guidelines on how to deal with seafarer abandonment cases.

All information received will be recorded on the joint ILO/IMO database on abandonment of seafarers.


16 July 2026: Other
(From the master onboard)

I am the Master of M/T UNITY (IMO No. 9388792), flying the Flag of Cameroon, and I am writing this urgent appeal on behalf of myself and all crew members.

We are in a desperate humanitarian situation. The vessel has run out of sufficient provisions, drinking water, and other essential supplies required for our daily survival. Our basic needs are no longer being met, and the physical and mental condition of the crew is deteriorating each day.

In addition, all crew members' employment contracts have expired. We have remained on board far beyond our contractual period and are still awaiting payment of our outstanding wages for May 2026, June 2026, and wages accrued up to the date of repatriation. The total outstanding wages payable to the crew amount to USD 223,533 (May, June).

Our vessel has already been listed as an abandonment case in the ILO–IMO Joint Database through the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), which clearly reflects the seriousness of our situation.

We respectfully and urgently request the concerned authorities to intervene on humanitarian grounds and ensure to help us from company:

1. Immediate supply of adequate provisions, drinking water, and other essential necessities.
2. Immediate payment of all outstanding wages amounting to USD 223,533 (May, June).
3. Prompt repatriation of all crew members to their home countries without further delay.

We sincerely appeal for your immediate intervention to protect the welfare, dignity, and rights of the abandoned seafarers on board. Your urgent assistance can prevent this humanitarian situation from becoming even more critical.

Our Consulate has also been copied on this communication for their kind assistance.

We remain hopeful for your immediate support and humanitarian intervention.


19 March 2026: International Maritime Organisation
flag: Zambia FALSE, on IMO GISIS and Equasis before 1 August 2025: Gambia


4 March 2026: International Transport Workers' Federation
Vessel lacking provisions on board