Indian Authorities Maintain Communication with Russian Embassy Over Detained Unity Tanker Crew
New Delhi: India is maintaining regular communication with the Russian Embassy over the welfare and repatriation of Russian seafarers aboard the detained oil tanker Unity near Paradip Port in Odisha, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday.
The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, confirmed that the Cameroon-flagged vessel is currently anchored near Paradip and was detained following an order issued by the Odisha High Court. The detention was carried out in accordance with the High Court’s directions, and authorities are taking necessary steps regarding the repatriation of the crew.
Russian Embassy Seeks Assistance for Crew Repatriation
The Russian Consulate General in Kolkata has approached Indian maritime authorities for assistance in facilitating the early return of the Russian nationals and securing payment of their outstanding wages. The Consulate has also sought support from the Directorate General of Shipping and the Mercantile Marine Department in Kolkata.
According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and International Maritime Organisation (IMO) joint database on abandoned seafarers, the Unity has remained under detention since May in connection with a commercial dispute involving alleged unpaid bunker fuel charges. The tanker is anchored approximately 10 kilometres off the Paradip coast after arriving at the port to discharge Russian crude oil for Indian Oil Corporation.
ILO and IMO Guidelines for Abandoned Seafarer Cases
The ILO has established guidelines for handling cases involving abandoned seafarers, calling for coordination among port States, flag States, and the countries of the affected seafarers to protect their welfare and rights. The joint database further records that the IMO sent an urgent communication on July 16 to relevant member States, requesting appropriate action in connection with the case.
A court hearing concerning the repatriation of the seafarers has been scheduled for September 21. The Russian Consulate estimated that the tanker had 23 crew members, comprising 20 Russian nationals, one Kazakh citizen, and two Egyptian nationals.
Original Article: India Maintains Contact with Russian Embassy Over Crew of Detained Unity Tanker: MEA — Boldnewsonline