Captain’s Wife Claims Husband is Scapegoat in Russia Tanker Case
The Indian captain of an alleged Russian shadow fleet oil vessel seized by British commandos has been charged with sanctions offences carrying a maximum 10-year jail term. Ajay Pant, 38, has been in custody in Britain since his arrest in June.
“My husband just became the scapegoat,” Ritu Pant, 36, said in her first sit-down interview since her husband’s arrest. British commandos fast-roped from a helicopter on June 14 in the English Channel to intercept the sanctioned oil tanker Smyrtos.
The prosecution’s case is that Pant was the “master of the ship” and had “knowledge of the cargo”. In a court hearing, Pant’s lawyer said he was “simply following orders” as an employee of the vessel’s owner. Pant’s trial, scheduled to begin on December 15, is believed to be the first case of a European country bringing sanctions-violation charges against the captain.
Seafarers Fear Being Caught in Geopolitical Conflict
The case has made seafarers fearful of being “stuck in the middle” of a tug-of-war between rival powers. Steve Yandell, coordinator of the seafarers’ section of the International Transport Workers’ Federation, said, “Seafarers will often not know their ship might be carrying sanctioned oil, and that they’re potentially open to getting caught up in a geopolitical conflict.”
India’s Foreign Ministry Visits Captain
India’s foreign ministry said consular officials had visited Pant “to enquire about his wellbeing”. The case has sparked concerns among seafarers and diplomats alike.
As the trial approaches, questions remain about the fate of Ajay Pant and the implications for international shipping.
Original Article: Captain a ‘scapegoat’ in Russia tanker case, claims wife | The Star — Com