A Panama-flagged merchant vessel that had been adrift for more than ten days in the Strait of Gibraltar has been towed to safety in the port of Málaga after running out of food, water and fuel, according to Spanish news site Sur.
The Marine I, carrying 17 crewmembers, was reportedly abandoned by its owner and left drifting in international waters, raising serious concerns over the safety and welfare of those on board. After several days of monitoring, Spain’s Directorate General of the Merchant Navy, working in coordination with Moroccan authorities, ordered the vessel to be taken under tow.
A salvage tug escorted the ship into Málaga late on Thursday night, with all crew reported to be safe following the operation.
Built in 1994, the 105 m long vessel has changed its name several times and is understood to be linked to a Dubai-based owner. Authorities and port officials are now seeking to establish contact with the company to determine responsibility for the crew, outstanding costs and the ship’s future disposition. The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) had been made aware of the situation and had previously warned of the crew’s deteriorating conditions.
The incident once again highlights the ongoing risks of abandonment at sea — a problem unions say is worsening with 2025 on track to set new records for abandonment cases.
