The unjust detention of seafarers is a growing crisis that creates an immense psychological burden, according to the Asian Shipowners’ Association.

The group highlighted the case of a Chinese master who spent two years in a Honduras jail without being put on trial.

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Captain Yu Yihai, the former master of the 31,600-dwt bulker Mount Hikurangi (built 2013), was held for two years after authorities in Puerto Cortes discovered hidden bags of cocaine while the cargo was being discharged.

He was finally released in August 2023 after intervention from shipping and labour bodies.

“Behind every case of detention is a human story of hardship and uncertainty,” the association’s insurance & liability committee said after meeting in Hong Kong.

“Families are torn apart, children are left without parents and livelihoods are jeopardised. The psychological toll on seafarers, who often endure harsh working conditions, is immense.

“This situation is not just a legal issue but a profound human rights concern that demands immediate attention.”

The association said recent incidents had highlighted the vulnerability of seafarers in countries that have “limited experience” in maritime law and have legal systems ill-equipped to deal with complex cases.

TradeWinds has highlighted the case of Chinese Captain Zhang Deyi, the former master of the 82,000-dwt Ever Judger (built 2014), who has been detained in Indonesia since May 2018.

He was convicted over a dragging anchor that broke an oil pipeline and led to an explosion that killed five Indonesian fishermen.

Lawyers for the bulker’s owner, Everest Shipping, said he was sentenced to a decade in prison for a “slip of the tongue” after mistakenly asking for the anchor to be lowered further than he intended.

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