Kerala CM Writes To PM Modi, Seeks Help To Free Indian Sailors Held Hostage In Equatorial Guinea
In a letter, Vijayan stated that even though the ship did not engage in any unlawful activity, the shipping company was ready to pay the fines to facilitate the early release of the seafarers.
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his intervention to help with the release of 16 Indian seafarers who were detained by Equatorial Guinea. The 16 seafarers ventured into the sea on a Norwegian oil vessel.
On August 8, the Norwegian ship 'Heroic Idun', reached the AKPO Terminal in Nigeria to fill crude oil. However, the Guinea naval personnel questioned the fishermen on the ship and later arrested them. The 16 Indians are a part of the 26-member crew of the Norwegian oil vessel.
In a letter, Vijayan stated that even though the ship did not engage in any unlawful activity, the shipping company was ready to pay the fines to facilitate the early release of the seafarers.
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The Chief Minister requested Modi to see that the diplomatic missions were alerted and speedy action was there so that the Indian seafarers were released.
The Congress lawmakers from Kerala have also approached the Centre to see that steps were taken to see the quick release of all the Indians.
According to the sailors, who have communicated with their families, they were detained on suspicion of crude oil piracy.
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Earlier, India in Equatorial Guinea said, "This Embassy and our High Commission in Abuja are closely working with authorities of Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria for the early release of crew members of MV Heroic Idun. All crew members are safe and those in the Detention Centre have been shifted to the ship."
This Embassy and our High Commission in Abuja are closely working with authorities of Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria for the early release of crew members of MV Heroic Idun.
— India in Equatorial Guinea (@GuineaIndia) November 7, 2022
All crew members are safe and those in the Detention Centre have been shifted to the ship.
(With IANS inputs)
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