In a landmark victory for victims of modern slavery, the U.K. government awarded £20,000 in compensation to each member of a group of fishermen, recognized as victims of modern slavery. Authorities rescued the Ghanaian crew in 2020 from a scallop trawler owned by the Scottish fishing company TN Trawlers. Earlier this year, a BBC investigation uncovered evidence suggesting that dozens of workers from countries such as the Philippines, Ghana, India, and Sri Lanka may have been trafficked into the U.K. to work for the fishing firm. Despite extensive criminal investigations into TN Trawlers, authorities have yet to bring any cases related to human trafficking or modern slavery to trial.

“The conditions were unbearable”

As reported by the BBC, the fishermen had entered the U.K. under seamen contracts but, once on board, faced forced labor and modern slavery conditions. Employed by TN Trawlers and sister companies, the men reported exploitative and unsafe working conditions. Additionally, they were restricted to the vessel and could not legally set foot on U.K. land, even when the boat was docked at port.

The spokesman of the fishermen said:

“Being trapped on that boat felt like a nightmare. We worked day and night…The conditions were unbearable—there was no dignity, no respect for us as human beings…I’m grateful that we were finally rescued but the scars of that time are still with me.”

The workers described long, grueling hours, inadequate food and water, and an overall disregard for their well-being. Basic needs like warm clothing, food, and water were scarce, worsening their already harsh working conditions. Additionally, workers were often forced to take on tasks unrelated to their jobs, such as gardening for the company’s owner.

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