Kerning Cultures Abandoned Ships: Part 1
May 6, 2021
In this intriguing discussion, guests Roman Mars and Alex Atak dive into the complex world of abandoned ships and the seafarers trapped aboard. Roman, known for his work on '99% Invisible,' and Alex, an investigative producer, explore how legal loopholes keep men like Mehmet Gulsen stranded without support. They discuss the bleak realities aboard these vessels, the role of flags of convenience, and the impact of catastrophic events like the Beirut explosion on maritime policy. It’s a gripping look at a hidden maritime crisis and its human toll.
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Crew Abandoned After Owners Go Silent
- Mehmet boarded the Keenan Mete expecting a seven-month contract and a return to his family in Ukraine.
- Months later the owners stopped communicating and the crew realized they had been abandoned in the Suez Canal area.
Flags Of Convenience Enable Evasion
- Flags of convenience let shipowners register in other countries to avoid stricter labor and tax rules.
- This practice normalizes regulatory evasion and makes it harder to hold owners accountable for abandoned crews.
Sunk-Cost Trap Keeps Crews Aboard
- Seafarers often stay aboard because leaving can forfeit wages and their chance of being paid.
- That sunk-cost logic traps crews in indefinite stalemates while owners and insurers negotiate outcomes.
