| Abandonment ID: | 00865 |
| Ship name: | Charlotte M - fishing vessel [Inactive] |
| Flag: | U.S.A |
| 7-digit IMO no.: | 8781105 |
| Port of abandonment: | Westport (WA), USA |
| Abandonment date: | 7 July 2023 |
| Notification date: | 15 January 2024 |
| Reporting Member Govt. or Org.: | ITF |
| No. of Seafarers: | 4 |
| Nationalities: | Philippines(3); United States(1) |
| Circumstances: | P&I : Unknown
Type : Fishing Vessel
Brought into US via Ensenada, MX. Without a US visa and immigration status forced to stay onboard with continual psychological threat of their future employment with what appears to be no intentions of honouring their POEA contract. More than 3 months outstanding wages |
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| Actions taken: | 10 January 2024: Flag State informed
Presently under investigation by Homeland Security Investigations
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| Repatriation status: | 15 January 2024: Other
1 Filipino Fishman humanitarian paroled into US
14 August 2024: Other
There will be no action or resolution from the owner. There is presently a criminal investigation that hopefully will bring charges, but this could take years. There was a number of Philippines Department of Migrant Worker hearings that is still in an adjudication phase. The fishermen were issued work visas to work and live in the US.
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| Payment status: | 15 January 2024: Payment Pending
US$7,172
14 August 2024: Other
There will be no action or resolution from the owner. There is presently a criminal investigation that hopefully will bring charges, but this could take years. There was a number of Philippines Department of Migrant Worker hearings that is still in an adjudication phase. The fishermen were issued work visas to work and live in the US
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| Comments and Observations: | Govt. of United States (31 January 2024)
Thank you for sharing the information regarding the fishing vessels CHARLOTTE (IMO# 8781105), NATALIA VICTORIA (IMO# 7942726); & DAYNA S. (IMO# 9204300), who are listed on the IMO/ILO joint database on abandonment. The current moored location of these vessels is Westport (WA).
In mid-December 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Seattle received information regarding fishermen being held against their will on the above vessels by their employer. Upon receiving this information, HSI initiated an investigation. The ongoing investigation of this case is headed by HSI with assistance from the HSI Manila (Philippines); U.S. Coast Guard; U.S. Customs Border Patrol; U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, and local authorities.
With regards to the crew welfare, HSI agents boarded the fishing vessels and conducted interviews with crew. HSI remains engaged and has initiated a “continued presence” status for each of the affected crew. Additional information related to this case pend, as this investigation continues.
The U.S. Coast Guard continues to monitor this case and remains available for any addition questions.
ITF (14 August 2024)
There will be no action or resolution from the owner. There is presently a criminal investigation that hopefully will bring charges, but this could take years. There was a number of Philippines Department of Migrant Worker hearings that is still in an adjudication phase. The fishermen were issued work visas to work and live in the US.
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