Nigeria Releases Detained Indian Sailors After 9-Month Ordeal
The sailors are expected to reach India in early June.
Nigeria released the Indian sailors who were detained for allegedly violating the international maritime boundary line. Of the 26 crew members of MV Heroic Idun, 16 Indian sailors were released recently.
Metilda, wife of Sanu Jose, Chief Officer of the ship which was detained in Equatorial Guinea and later in Nigeria said," It has taken around 10 months for the release. We are very grateful to everyone, including political leaders, who supported us during our hard times. He (Sanu) informed me that he will reach here in 10-12 days."
On Monday, the Nigerian Navy handed over the documents to the Indian sailors at 11 PM. Following this, the sailors started their journey and they are expected to reach India early June.
A crew member Vijith, as per Mathrubhumi said that the release was possible due to the efforts of union and state governments, Indian Embassy, OMS Maritime and people's representatives.
The 'Heoric Idun' ran into trouble mid-sea. The ship owned by OMS Maritime started from South Africa on August 7. The ship was entrusted to fill crude oil and head to Notre Dome. While the ship was waiting at AKPO Terminal, another ship reportedly came near 'Heroic Idun'. The 'Heroic Idun' crew suspecting that it was pirates steered away, which made the Guinean Navy seize the 'Heroic Idun', said a report on Mathrubhumi.
Another Indian Sailor's wife, Sheethal Milton said, there was no communication and the anxiety about the release of sailors persisted even after the court acquitted them in April.
The release comes after a federal court in Nigeria acquitted the sailors of all charges on April 28. However, the release got delayed due to the pending payment of the fine by ship owner. Sources also reportedly said that the detained sailors were kept in congested room and not provided food or water, as a report on Indian Express.
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