A Turkish-owned vessel, the Lady Mina, has been detained in the Port of Las Palmas following serious breaches of international maritime regulations by its owner. According to gCaptain, six seafarers are currently abandoned on board, with a total unpaid wage amounting to $68,000.
The situation came to light on 23 May 2026 when one of the crew members contacted the ITF Inspectorate in Las Palmas. The crew had served for over 13 months beyond the permitted 11-month maximum under the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC), and had repeatedly requested repatriation but were denied by their employer.
The vessel was found to be in possession of fake safety papers and a forged wage-security certificate. These irregularities led to its detention, as reported by ITF Seafarers.
Regulatory Breaches and Crew Welfare Concerns
The case exemplifies the challenges faced by seafarers in upholding their rights under international maritime law. The seafarers involved have been left stranded without adequate compensation or repatriation, highlighting systemic issues within certain segments of the shipping industry.
According to ITF Seafarers, the detained vessel's owner failed to meet critical obligations stipulated by the MLC, including ensuring safe and decent working conditions and timely payment of wages. The $68,000 owed represents the cumulative unpaid wages for all six crew members.
The detention underscores the need for enhanced oversight and enforcement mechanisms to protect seafarers' rights globally. This incident serves as a stark reminder that compliance with international maritime regulations is paramount in maintaining a safe and ethical industry environment.