- Friday, March 07, 2025
By: Shubham Ghosh
Sixteen Indian sailors of MT Heroic Idun have been stranded in central-western African country of Equatorial Guinea since mid August and as they have appealed to authorities for help, the ship’s chief officer Sanu Jose has said in a video that it could be his last message since he was being taken away by the Nigerian Navy.
“I am being taken away by the Nigerian Navy. This might be my last message. I am hopeful that all of you seeing me will help me and make this message reach everyone in the country,” Jose, who is from the southern state of Kerala, said.
Justice For Seafarers onboard "MT Heroic Idun" illegally detained by Nigerian Navy. Total 26 crew onboard, including 16 Indian nationals. This is criminalization of innocent seafarers. Pls seek their early release. #Save_Our_Seafarers@mui_mum @ITFSeafSupport @nitin_gadkari pic.twitter.com/QR54i3CleM
— All India Seafarers Union (@AllSeafarers) November 7, 2022
However, a report in Kerala Kaumudi said on Tuesday (8) that Jose returned to the ship and said that he was not taken to Nigeria owing to the Indian government’s intervention.
The Indians, who are among 26 crew members, were detained for allegedly violating the maritime boundary.
Requested Hon. Minister of External Affairs,@RW_UNP to urgently intervene in the matter of illegal detention of 8 srilankan crew members of MT Heroic Idun in Equitorial Guinea, and to ensure their safe return to srilanka. Hoping for a swift resolution of the issue. pic.twitter.com/R0puduNHVS
— rajendra sugirthan (@sugir60) November 7, 2022
Indian authorities said that talks were underway and they would ensure that the sailors return home safely.
Meanwhile, the OSM group, which manages the detained ship, said in a statement, “The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker, Heroic Idun was ordered to load a cargo of oil in early August from the Akpo terminal in Nigeria. Whilst waiting for the necessary clearance papers after having tendered notice of readiness in line with voyage orders received from charterers, the Nigerian navy approached the vessel under cover of darkness in a way which caused serious concerns and it was believed to be an attempted piracy attack. The vessel, in accordance with Best Management Practice, escaped from the area and out into international waters.”
“A few days later, at the request of the Nigerian navy, the vessel was interdicted in international waters by a navy vessel from Equatorial Guinea and at gunpoint escorted to Malabo, where it has been held back since August 13, allegedly for not displaying the Equatorial Guinean flag. A fine was paid at the end of September against a promise of release of the vessel and its crew. However, both the ship and crew remain in captivity,” it added.
