Stowaway incidents in Caribbean shipping: What you need to know

Despite advances in port security and international protocols, stowaway practices continue to pose serious legal and financial risks for shipowners and operators in the Caribbean. With heavy traffic between islands and vulnerable ports in countries like the Dominican Republic and Haiti, this issue remains especially relevant to shipping companies operating in or through the region.

The hidden costs of stowaways

Stowaways aren’t just a safety risk, they're a legal liability. According to the International Group of P&I Clubs, the average cost of a single stowaway case ranges from $10,000 to $50,000 USD, including:

• Repatriation expenses

• Legal fees

• Port delays

• Sanctions or fines

• Crew and vessel downtime

  
  

A 2020 report by BIMCO and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) revealed that over 80% of global stowaway cases originate in ports with minimal security—a category that includes several Caribbean locations.

Stowaways in the Caribbean: A regional snapshot

In the Caribbean, the issue is especially relevant for:

• Cargo vessels departing from Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and select Eastern Caribbean islands.

• Ships en route to Puerto Rico or the U.S. mainland, which are often seen as entry points to better opportunities.

• Crews unaware of hidden individuals in containers, engine compartments, or maintenance areas.

  
  

Stowaways put themselves and the crew in danger, and shipowners can face:

• Detainment of the vessel at port

• Legal proceedings or administrative penalties

• Reputational damage or loss of commercial opportunities

  
  

Your legal responsibilities as a shipowner

International regulations, including the IMO Facilitation Convention and the ILO Maritime Labour Convention, require shipowners to:

• Ensure security screening and vessel inspections at embarkation ports.

• Bear responsibility for the safe treatment and repatriation of any stowaways.

• Maintain proper documentation and report stowaway incidents to port and immigration authorities.

  
  

Failing to comply can have serious consequences—both legally and operationally.

How our maritime legal firm can help

We specialize in maritime law and emergency legal response across the Caribbean. If you encounter a stowaway situation, our team acts quickly to:

• Provide immediate legal representation for the shipowner or operator

• Coordinate with immigration and port authorities to resolve the issue efficiently

• Minimize costs and vessel downtime

• Ensure full compliance with international and local regulations

• Offer strategic prevention guidance for future voyages

  
  

We understand the unique legal challenges that arise in shipping. That’s why we’re available 24/7 to support your operations—whether in Santo Domingo, Port-au-Prince, San Juan, or beyond.

Let’s protect your vessel, crew, and business together

Stowaway incidents are unpredictable, but your response doesn't have to be. Trust a legal team that knows maritime law, understands the region, and acts fast when it matters most.

Contact us today for a consultation or to discuss a tailored compliance plan for your fleet.

Sources:

• International Group of P&I Clubs – www.igpandi.org

• BIMCO & ICS: Guidelines on the Prevention of Stowaways

• International Maritime Organization (IMO)

• International Labour Organization (ILO) – Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006)