The sailors stranded on MV Anastasia since September 20 will return after a crew change, reports the Tribune India.
Stranded sailors
The Indian sailors of a cargo ship stranded outside a Chinese port for over six months have been allowed to leave following sustained efforts by the Indian embassy in Beijing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said at a virtual media briefing on Thursday.
The Chinese Central authorities have conveyed to the local authorities as well as the port authorities to permit a crew change. This information has also been shared with the local shipping company which has submitted a request to the authorities and is working out the modalities.
“We hope that this is done at the earliest,” said Srivastava.
The ship – MV Anastasia – carrying Australian coal has been on anchorage near Caofeidian port in northern China since September 20, waiting to discharge its cargo.
Crew change procedures
A total of 39 Indian seafarers were stranded on two merchant vessels off Chinese ports for months because of the trade row between China and Australia. Both ships were carrying Australian coal, which they weren’t allowed to unload by Chinese authorities.
Twenty-three sailors stranded on MV Jag Anand, which was at anchorage near Jingtang port since June 13 last year, returned home this month after a crew change was arranged at a Japanese port.
Read More: 23 Indian Seafarers Stranded in China Returns
Now, the 16 sailors stranded on MV Anastasia near Caofeidian port since September 20 will return as Chinese authorities have permitted a crew change.
Read More: 16 Stranded Seafarers Under Stress Crew Change Required At the Earliest
India has repeatedly taken up the issue of the stranded sailors with China over the past few months. Chinese authorities had outlined detailed steps for a crew change in view of the country’s strict pandemic control and prevention measures, and insisted these would have to be complied with by the shipping companies.
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Source: The Tribune India
