Watch Ghost Fleet

Ghost Fleet is a powerful documentary that shines a light on the horrifying realities of human trafficking and forced labor in the global fishing industry. The film, which was produced in 2018, is directed by Shannon Service and Jeffrey Waldron and features interviews with activists, survivors, and fishermen. One of the central figures in the film is Tun Lin, a Burmese refugee who was sold into slavery on a Thai fishing boat at the age of 14. Lin recounts his harrowing experience, detailing the brutal conditions he endured and the physical and emotional abuse he suffered at the hands of his captors. The film also follows the work of Patima Tungpuchayakul, a fearless Thai activist who has spent nearly 20 years fighting for the rights of exploited and enslaved fishermen.

Through powerful visuals and heart-wrenching stories, Ghost Fleet paints a vivid picture of the horrors of modern-day slavery in the fishing industry. The film takes viewers on a journey from the bustling ports of Thailand and Indonesia to the remote waters of the South Pacific, exposing the widespread use of forced labor and the lack of government oversight and regulation.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its use of hidden cameras to capture footage of abusive and exploitative practices on fishing vessels. Viewers are confronted with shocking images of emaciated and exhausted workers, many of whom have been at sea for months or even years without pay or the ability to return home. The film also highlights the environmental impact of the fishing industry, with overfishing leading to the destruction of marine ecosystems and the displacement of traditional fishing communities.

Despite the bleak subject matter, Ghost Fleet also offers glimpses of hope and possibility. The film profiles organizations like the International Justice Mission and the Environmental Justice Foundation, which are working to combat human trafficking and protect the rights of workers in the fishing industry. We see the bravery of activists like Patima Tungpuchayakul, who risks her own safety to rescue enslaved fishermen and bring their cases to the attention of the international community.

Ultimately, Ghost Fleet is a call to action, urging viewers to recognize the human cost of the seafood on their plates and to demand change from governments, corporations, and consumers alike. The film challenges us to confront the ways in which we are all complicit in the system of exploitation and to imagine a world in which workers are treated with dignity and respect, and our oceans are protected for future generations.