Indian Sailors Detained in Equatorial Guinea: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Writes to PM Narendra Modi To Help for Release of 16 Stranded Seafarers
The Norwegian ship 'Heroic Idun', which had reached the AKPO Terminal in Nigeria on August 8 to fill crude oil, was intercepted and detained by a Guinea naval ship. The 16 Indians are a part of the 26-member crew of the Norwegian oil vessel.
Thiruvananthapuram, November 8: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his immediate intervention to help in the release of 16 Indian seafarers, who are on a Norwegian oil vessel detained by Equatorial Guinea.
The Norwegian ship 'Heroic Idun', which had reached the AKPO Terminal in Nigeria on August 8 to fill crude oil, was intercepted and detained by a Guinea naval ship. The 16 Indians are a part of the 26-member crew of the Norwegian oil vessel. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Extends Birthday Wishes to Kamal Haasan As He Turns 68.
Vijayan stated in the letter 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.
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. Video: Indian Coast Guard Rescues 20 Bangladeshi Fishermen From Bay of Bengal.
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.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 08, 2022 03:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).