The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has successfully facilitated the repatriation of 12 stranded seafarers aboard the MV Rahaf Moon following a coordinated humanitarian and regulatory intervention to safeguard their welfare.
The vessel, registered under the flag of St. Kitts and Nevis, was identified in Ghanaian waters on January 20, 2026, after financial and operational support from its owner, ATSE Global Shipping Company Limited, ceased, leaving the crew in difficult conditions.
The affected crew comprised nine Indians, two Azerbaijanis and one Turkish national. They endured prolonged hardship, including restricted access to food and fresh water, while their unpaid wages accumulated to more than US$150,000.
In response, the GMA mobilised a broad network of stakeholders, including the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), Point 3 Logistics, Boti Crew, the vessel’s Protection and Indemnity Club, legal representatives, the Indian High Commission and the Turkish Embassy in Ghana.
The collaborative intervention resulted in the provision of emergency assistance, including food, drinking water, fuel and other essential supplies, while measures were also taken to ensure the safety and operational integrity of the vessel.
The intervention further led to the recovery of four months of outstanding wages for the crew, before all 12 seafarers were safely repatriated to their respective home countries on July 23, 2026.
Under international maritime law, seafarers’ wage claims remain protected and are accorded priority in the settlement of claims against a vessel. The MV Rahaf Moon, which is currently under the custody of the GPHA, is undergoing legal processes towards a judicial sale. The remaining approved wage claims will be addressed through the relevant legal proceedings.
Following the departure of the stranded crew, the GMA directed the deployment of a qualified Ghanaian skeletal crew to maintain security and essential onboard operations.
The Authority is also establishing a legal framework to manage proceeds from any future judicial sale of the vessel, including the settlement of approved expenses and maintenance-related claims.
The successful resolution of the MV Rahaf Moon case demonstrates the GMA’s commitment to protecting seafarers’ welfare, strengthening stakeholder collaboration and upholding international maritime standards.
The intervention also reinforces Ghana’s position as a responsible maritime nation committed to protecting the rights, safety and wellbeing of seafarers operating within its maritime jurisdiction.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah/Ahotoronline/Accra