India on Monday vowed to secure the release of 16 Indian sailors detained in Equatorial Guinea for almost three months.
The Indian embassy in Equatorial Guinea tweeted that officials “are closely working with authorities of Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria for the early release of crew members of MV Heroic Idun.” “All crew members are safe and those in the Detention Centre have been shifted to the ship,” it stated.
The embassy claimed that it has been “in regular contact with crew members” since their detention in August. “We have also had several consular access/visits to them. We are closely monitoring developments and are actively engaged for an early resolution of the issue,” it said.
The embassy’s revelations came in response to Rajya Sabha MP A.A. Rahim’s plea to External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar “to urgently intervene in the matter.” In a letter addressed to Jaishankar, Rahim urged the EAM to “ensure the safe return” of all sixteen Indian crew members to their homes.
Since their detention in mid August, this Mission has been in regular contact with the crew members over phone. We have also had several consular access / visits to them.
— India in Equatorial Guinea (@GuineaIndia) November 7, 2022
We are closely monitoring developments and are actively engaged for an early resolution of the issue.
Noting that the detainees are “now in fear for their safety,” Rahim called on Jaishankar to take steps to avoid further distress for the sailors. The MP said he hopes for a “swift resolution” to the issue.
The Hindustan Times quoted Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan as saying that he is aware of the matter and that the Ministry of External Affairs is working hard to bring the sailors home.
MV Heroic Idun and its 26-member crew were detained in mid-August by Equatorial Guinea’s navy. Apart from 16 Indians, the crew comprised of individuals from the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Poland.
The vessel was reportedly on its way to pick up an oil shipment from Nigeria but had moved to international waters, fearing piracy after an unidentified vessel approached it. Equatorial Guinea’s navy then detained the ship, and the crew were arrested. Guinean authorities then demanded a fine of $200,000 from the crew. Despite paying the authorities, however, the 26 members continue to be detained.
Latest Update #HeroicIdun:
— All India Seafarers Union (@AllSeafarers) November 8, 2022
15 crew member including master have been brought to detention facility in Malabo and they are holding us here.We do not know whats happening no one is telling us anything.We have no food and water.We suspect that we will be sent to Nigeria by airplane. pic.twitter.com/4S2JFG2fyC
Nigeria has now demanded that Equatorial Guinea hand over the crew to Nigerian custody, accusing the MV Heroic Idun crew of oil theft. It said the crew falsely claimed that the pirates pursued the vessel and then tried to flee Nigerian waters in defiance of a directive of the Nigerian navy.
Against this backdrop, the crew has requested India for help to get them released, noting that they have “fully cooperated” with authorities and the ongoing investigation.