I'd inferred that it was the company keeping them there, after hearing stories like this: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/as-it-happens-monday-edition-1.6

I'd inferred that it was the company keeping them there, after hearing stories like this: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/as-it-happens-monday-edition-1.6002269/after-nearly-4-years-stranded-on-cargo-ship-in-egypt-a-syrian-crew-member-finally-goes-home-1.6002473 https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/as-it-happens-monday-ed... This article goes into the actual reasons, the visas only came into play during the second month: https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/18/us/baltimore-bridge-dali-ship-crew/index.html https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/18/us/baltimore-bridge-dali-ship... Basically the company would get in trouble if the crew left, and they are too cheap to hire replacements, so they threaten them.