India in Regular Touch with Russian Embassy Over Crew of Detained Unity Tanker: MEA
New Delhi [India], September 19 (ANI): India is in regular touch with the Russian Embassy over the welfare and repatriation of Russian crew members aboard the detained Unity oil tanker near Paradip Port in Odisha, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday.
The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, confirmed that the tanker is currently stationed close to Paradip Port and that its detention was carried out pursuant to an order of the Odisha High Court. Jaiswal emphasized that India is taking due action in regards to the repatriation of the Russian crew, ensuring their welfare and safe return.
Unity Tanker Remains Under Detention Since May
The Cameroon-flagged Unity has remained under detention since May following an Odisha High Court order in connection with a commercial dispute involving alleged unpaid bunker fuel dues. The vessel is anchored around 10 km off the coast of Paradip, awaiting resolution to the outstanding issues.
ILO-IMO Database Records Abandonment Case
The International Labour Organisation (ILO), through its joint ILO-International Maritime Organisation (IMO) database on abandoned seafarers, has recorded the Unity as an abandonment case involving Russian seafarers. The database says the vessel was under arrest at Paradip, with outstanding wages and repatriation pending.
Russian Consulate General in Kolkata Requests Repatriation
According to the Russian Consulate General in Kolkata, the employment contracts of the Russian seafarers had expired, substantial wage arrears remained outstanding, and the crew had remained on board beyond their contractual period while awaiting repatriation. The Consulate has urged all concerned parties to complete the crew relief and repatriation process without further delay.
Fresh Court Hearing Scheduled for September 21
A fresh court hearing on the repatriation of the crew has been scheduled for September 21, with the MEA working closely with the Russian Embassy to ensure a swift resolution. The Consulate has requested the Directorate General of Shipping and the Mercantile Marine Department, Kolkata, to extend necessary assistance to ensure the early repatriation of the Russian crew members and payment of their outstanding wages.
ILO Issues Guidelines for Dealing with Seafarer Abandonment
The ILO has issued guidelines for dealing with cases of seafarer abandonment, including the need for port States, flag States, and States of which seafarers are nationals to address such cases and safeguard the rights and welfare of abandoned seafarers. The IMO had also forwarded an urgent request on July 16 to concerned member States to take appropriate action regarding the Unity case.
Original Article: India in regular touch with Russian Embassy over crew of detained Unity tanker: MEA — Aninews