MV Obangame

Bryan Flowers

2019-2020 · Douala port, Cameroon · status: resolved

Opened: 2019-11-01
Closed: 2020-05-01
Port: Douala port, Cameroon
Vessel IMO: 8214241
Flag: CMR
Shipowner: owner-in-liquidation
Insurer named on DMLC: MLC certificate expired
Seafarers affected: 12
Nationalities: PH, CM, SN

Summary

The Cameroon-flagged general cargo vessel Obangame was abandoned at Douala with twelve Filipino, Cameroonian, and Senegalese crew. Cameroon Ministry of Transport formally intervened after ITF Cameroon opened the case; the flag-state action forced insurer engagement even though the MLC certificate had lapsed. Crew were repatriated in phased departures over six months. The case highlighted the value of active flag-state engagement even in smaller registries — Cameroon's intervention accelerated resolution versus the typical 12-18 month pattern.

Outcome for crew

all 12 repatriated after 4-6 months; partial wage recovery.

Source

Resolution / documentation via: ITF + Cameroon Ministry of Transport

https://www.itfseafarers.org/en/campaigns/abandoned-crews

Related rights + resources

· Abandonment rights (MLC A2.5.2) — the regulatory framework this case is governed by
· Unpaid wages
· MLC 2006 financial-security providers directory
· International Group P&I Clubs

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