MV Rhoswen
2019-2020 · Ajman anchorage, UAE · status: resolved
- Opened
- 2019-04-01
- Closed
- 2020-08-01
- Port
- Ajman anchorage, UAE
- Vessel IMO
- 8517819
- Flag
- PAN
- Shipowner
- owner-in-liquidation
- Insurer named on DMLC
- MLC certificate expired
- Seafarers affected
- 15
- Nationalities
- IN, MM, SY
- Unpaid wages (USD)
- 210,000
Summary
The Panama-flagged general cargo vessel Rhoswen was abandoned in Ajman anchorage, UAE, in April 2019 after the shipowner entered liquidation. The MLC financial-security certificate had already expired at the time of abandonment — meaning no insurer stepped in under the A2.5.2 regime. Fifteen crew members from India, Myanmar, and Syria remained on board for over a year in extreme summer heat with intermittent food and water supplies coordinated by ITF Dubai and Mission to Seafarers. Panama Maritime Authority eventually stepped in as flag state to formally register the abandonment. Repatriation was completed by August 2020. The case is frequently cited as an example of the enforcement gap where MLC certificates lapse without shipowner action.
Outcome for crew
all 15 repatriated after 12-16 months; wage recovery limited by owner insolvency.
Source
Resolution / documentation via: ITF + UAE Federal Transport Authority
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