By Robin Chan

Filipino Roger Arroza loved his life as a seaman plying the world's trade routes from Rotterdam to Rio.

But he is far from feeling buoyant these days. He and other sailors from various vessels are moping glumly - on a remote island near Batam. They are the victims of a shipping recession which has seen more than 500 container ships lying idle worldwide.

For these men, steel cargo containers dumped on the beach serve as their sweltering bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens. Apart from non-stop swatting at mosquitoes, nothing much happens each day.

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