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Sunshine 7 - - 1 March 2026 -  unresolved 

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Sunshine 7
 unresolved 
01746
8921327
Water Tanker
Male, Maldives
Los Andes Protection and Indemnity

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1 March 2026
9 June 2026
International Transport Workers' Federation
9
India (9)

Circumstances

Flag: Unknown

Outstanding wages for 5 months, lack of food and water

Seafarers applied to insurer?: No
Insurance certificate dates: 23rd December 2025 to 22nd March 2026

Case details

9 June 2026: Other
Date flag state notified: N/A
Actions taken to resolve case: Contacted the owners, DG Shipping India and Maritime authorities
9 June 2026: Repatriation pending

9 June 2026: Payment Pending
Outstanding wages:
US$37,250

Comments and observations

14 July 2026: International Maritime Organisation
The attached message and urgent request for immediate assistance was received from the Master on behalf of crew and owners concerning the Water Tanker ‘SUNSHINE 7’, IMO Number 8921327, Flag: UNKNOWN but reportedly and with the new name ‘KG 1’: Haiti, and on IMO GISIS before 1 September 2022: Zanzibar (United Republic of Tanzania) having on board 9 seafarers from India who were abandoned in Male, Maldives on 1 March 2026.

There are outstanding wages of 5 months and there is lack of food and water onboard the vessel. Reportedly, also the vessel ‘AL 1’ is currently in Male, Maldives having 11 seafarers from India under similar circumstances on board.

The vessel ‘SUNSHINE 7’ with now the reportedly new name ‘KG 1’was previously reported under the flag Zanzibar (United Republic of Tanzania) of having on board 10 seafarers from India (5 requesting assistance) who were abandoned in Dubai Anchorage, United Arab Emirates since 17 September 2022; then again the same vessel was reported for the second time having on board 13 seafarers from India who were abandoned in Sharjah Anchorage, United Arab Emirates on 1 May 2025. There were then outstanding wages of 8 months and lack of provision onboard the vessel. Both these two previously reported abandonment cases are included in the joint ILO/IMO database on abandonment of seafarers as ‘disputed cases’: the seafarers concerned were repatriated but have not been fully paid their wages.

I herewith would also like to reiterate the urgent request of ITF again 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.

I herewith forward also again the urgent request of ITF to the responsible Port State Maldives to take urgent action, as appropriate and in conformity with the attached joint IMO/ILO Guidelines on Fair treatment of seafarers detained in connection with alleged crimes to allow the crew to access medical treatment.

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


14 July 2026: Other
(From the seafarer requesting the urgent intervention)

We respectfully request your urgent intervention regarding the current situation of the vessel and crew.

Kindly either:

1. Grant the vessel Inward Clearance and permit the official appointment of a local shipping agent, enabling the Owner and Master to complete all legal formalities and arrange essential services;

OR

2. If the appointment of an official agent or Inward Clearance cannot yet be granted, please ensure the immediate delivery of bunker fuel, fresh water, provisions, and other essential supplies through the competent authorities.

Without an officially appointed agent and the necessary permissions, the Owner and Master are legally unable to arrange supply boats or essential services. We cannot lawfully bring supply boats alongside the vessel without the required authorization, even if we are fully prepared to purchase and pay for all provisions, fresh water, and bunker fuel.

The situation has now become extremely serious. Members of the crew have reportedly been transferred to a detention facility and are being treated as though they are criminals. These are ordinary seafarers who have fully cooperated with all authorities. They are victims of the circumstances and have committed no offence.

The Owner and the Master have continuously cooperated with Customs, Immigration, the Police, the Public Prosecutor, and all other competent authorities throughout the investigation.

We therefore respectfully request your immediate assistance by either allowing the lawful appointment of an official agent and granting Inward Clearance, or by ensuring that all essential humanitarian and operational services are provided without further delay for the safety, health, and welfare of the crew and the vessel.

We appreciate your urgent attention to this matter.


13 July 2026: International Maritime Organisation
There are outstanding wages of 5 months and there is lack of food and water onboard the vessel. Reportedly, also the vessel ‘AL 1’ is currently in Male, Maldives having 11 seafarers from India under similar circumstances on board.

The vessel ‘SUNSHINE 7’ with now the reportedly new name ‘KG 1’was previously reported under the flag Zanzibar (United Republic of Tanzania) of having on board 10 seafarers from India (5 requesting assistance) who were abandoned in Dubai Anchorage, United Arab Emirates since 17 September 2022; then again the same vessel was reported for the second time having on board 13 seafarers from India who were abandoned in Sharjah Anchorage, United Arab Emirates on 1 May 2025. There were then outstanding wages of 8 months and lack of provision onboard the vessel. Both these two previously reported abandonment cases are included in the joint ILO/IMO database on abandonment of seafarers as ‘disputed cases’: the seafarers concerned were repatriated but have not been fully paid their wages.

I herewith forward the urgent request of ITF again 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.

I herewith forward also the urgent request of ITF to the responsible Port State Maldives to take urgent action, as appropriate and in conformity with the attached joint IMO/ILO Guidelines on Fair treatment of seafarers detained in connection with alleged crimes to allow the crew to access medical treatment.

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


13 July 2026: International Transport Workers' Federation
Further to below I would like to highlight the requirements of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended, which states:

Regulation 4.1

3.    Each Member shall ensure that seafarers on board ships in its territory who are in need of immediate medical care are given access to the Member’s medical facilities on shore.

Standard A4.1

5.    Each Member shall ensure prompt disembarkation of seafarers in need of immediate medical care from ships in its territory and access to medical facilities ashore for the provision of appropriate treatment.

It is therefore an obligation under the MLC to provide access to medical treatment and facilities.

Further, I would refer you to the Guidelines on fair treatment of seafarers detained in connection with alleged crimes
https://www.ilo.org/resource/other/guidelines-fair-treatment-seafarers-detained-connection-alleged-crimes
Any charges against seafarers should be clearly explained and justified with evidence.

Being abandoned and in need of medical care does not constitute a crime or a fineable offence.

ITF calls on the Maldives to take the appropriate action as required by MLC, let alone basic human rights, and allow the crew to access medical treatment.


13 July 2026: International Transport Workers' Federation
Further to the below, ITF has been informed that members of the crew who were taken ashore for medical treatment by Maldives authorities, were instead transferred to a detention facility.

ITF wishes to remind all states that MLC Regulation 4.1 requires that the both the flag state and the port state have measures in place to ensure that seafarers receive medical care when required.

In this case, it is reported that the seafarers have instead been detained and are now facing fines for unknown offences.

The crew of the vessel are already facing abandonment and are now facing refusal of medical care, unfair treatment and criminalisation.

ITF would further remind states of the Guidelines on Fair Treatment of Seafarers Detained in Connection with Alleged Crimes and request that the guidance provided therein is considered before any further action is taken which may further criminalise the crew.

ITF calls for the immediate provision of medical assistance to all crew requiring such and the immediate release of all crew who are currently detained. Urgent intervention from responsible States in relation to this matter is now required to ensure the crew are safe.

ITF requests that the ILO attached details of this message to the relevant abandonment record.


6 July 2026: International Transport Workers' Federation
(From the ITF Inspector)

We respectfully write to seek your immediate humanitarian intervention regarding the extremely critical and life-threatening situation of 20 Indian seafarers abandoned on board the vessels KG 1 (IMO No. 8921327) and AL 1, presently lying at anchorage off Malé, Republic of Maldives.
According to the information available to us, both vessels entered Maldivian waters without the required pre-arrival notification and allegedly violated the customs regulations of the Government of Maldives. However, the crew acted strictly under the instructions of the vessel's management and had no authority over the operational decisions of the company. They simply complied with the lawful orders given by their employer and should not be made to suffer the consequences of actions beyond their control.
It has also been reported that the vessels' AIS tracking systems were switched off before arrival. Although the Maldives Customs authorities conducted an investigation and reportedly found no prohibited or illegal cargo on board, both vessels continue to remain at anchorage.
Unfortunately, this situation has now gone far beyond a regulatory or administrative matter. It has become a grave humanitarian emergency demanding immediate international attention.
The 20 Indian seafarers (9 on KG 1 and 11 on AL 1) are facing complete abandonment in violation of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006). They have been deprived of the most basic necessities required for human survival, including:
• No food.
• No safe drinking water.
• No fuel.
• No electricity, as both vessels are in complete blackout condition.
• No essential supplies necessary for their health, safety and survival.
The crew has informed us that they have been without adequate food and safe drinking water for the past three days. Out of sheer desperation, they are being forced to consume dirty and contaminated water that is unfit for human consumption. No seafarer, regardless of nationality or circumstance, should ever be subjected to such inhumane and degrading conditions.
The situation is becoming increasingly dangerous due to adverse weather conditions. We have been informed that KG 1 has already lost its anchor, forcing both vessels to remain secured alongside each other merely to prevent drifting. Furthermore, the anchor of AL 1 is reportedly in a very poor condition and may fail at any moment. If this occurs, both powerless vessels could drift uncontrollably, collide with other ships, run aground, or cause a serious marine pollution incident. Most importantly, the lives of all 20 seafarers are at immediate risk.
Based on the latest information received from the crew, the vessel owner has already arrived in the Maldives and is prepared to pay any penalties or fines imposed by the competent authorities. The owner has also expressed willingness to arrange the immediate repatriation of all crew members together with payment of their outstanding wages. However, this process cannot proceed because a local shipping agent has not yet been permitted to act on behalf of the vessels. As a result, the crew continues to suffer without access to even their most basic humanitarian needs.
The seafarers are innocent victims of circumstances entirely beyond their control. They did not make navigational, commercial or regulatory decisions; they only performed their professional duties in good faith. It is therefore both unjust and inhumane for them to continue paying the price for matters for which they bear no responsibility.
In these extraordinary circumstances, we earnestly request your urgent intervention to:
1. Ensure the immediate delivery of food, safe drinking water, fuel, medicines and all essential humanitarian supplies to both vessels.
2. Facilitate the appointment of a local shipping agent to complete the necessary formalities with the Maldivian authorities.
3. Expedite all legal and administrative procedures to enable the safe repatriation of all 20 Indian seafarers at the earliest opportunity.
4. Ensure that every seafarer receives all outstanding wages and contractual entitlements before repatriation, in accordance with the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006.
5. Take all necessary measures to safeguard the lives of the crew and prevent any navigational or environmental disaster arising from the present condition of the vessels.
Every hour of delay increases the risk to human life. This is not merely a legal or administrative issue—it is a matter of humanity. Behind every seafarer is a family anxiously waiting for their loved one to return home safely. They deserve compassion, protection and justice.
Seafarers are the backbone of global trade, ensuring the uninterrupted movement of essential goods across the world. They dedicate their lives to serving the international maritime industry, often under extremely difficult conditions. When they face abandonment and distress, the global maritime community has a collective moral and legal responsibility to protect them.
We sincerely appeal to all the distinguished authorities addressed in this letter to act with urgency, compassion and coordination to save these 20 Indian seafarers and ensure their safe return to their families.
We remain hopeful that your timely humanitarian intervention will prevent further suffering and help resolve this crisis peacefully and in accordance with international law.


3 July 2026: United Republic of Tanzania
(From the Tanzania Zanzibar International Register of Shipping)

We acknowledge receipt of your below e-mail which is well noted; nevertheless, we are unsure that this case should be associated to our Flag State because according to our records, this vessel is flying Unknown Flag since September 2022 and this is confirmed through the IMO GISIS. Please see below screenshot for your easy reference.

Considering the above, we will appreciate if this vessel is not connected with our registry. Or please clarify how we can be associated with this vessel 4 years later.
Thanks for your kind cooperation and assistance. We look forward for your kind cooperation and assistance.


3 July 2026: International Maritime Organisation
Flag: UNKNOWN but reportedly: Haiti, on IMO GISIS before 1 September 2022: Zanzibar (United Republic of Tanzania)

. The insurer is: Los Andes Protection and Indemnity - refer the attached second report concerning the same vessel which was previously reported having on board 13 seafarers from India who were abandoned in Sharjah Anchorage, United Arab Emirates on 1 May 2025. There were then outstanding wages of 8 months and lack of provision onboard the vessel.


9 June 2026: International Transport Workers' Federation
Captain of the vessel reported unpaid wages on behalf of the entire crew. He informed that the flag of the vessel is Haiti, they were contacted on 4th June. This has been abandoned before.