23 Stranded Seafarers From ‘MV Jag Anand’ Stuck In China Reaches Japan

After much delay, the ship MV Jag Anand with 23 Indian sailors who were stranded in Chinese waters for months due to Australian Coal Cargo ban has finally arrived in Tokyo. The seafarers will fly back to India tonight after they clear COVID procedures.

The Indian sailors were stuck in Jingtang port since June last year. Another group of Indian sailors are still stranded on a foreign ship MV Anastasia with a similar fate. Jag Anand was an Indian ship owned by an Indian company Great Eastern while Anastasia is owned by MSC.

Earlier Indian government officials said that the seafarers on the Indian ship will travel back to India via Japan by January 15. However the ship’s arrival to Japan got delayed.

Caught in Trade War

The China- Australia trade embargo prevented the ship from anchoring in China whereas maritime law didn’t let them abandon the ship without delivering the cargo to the Chinese who purchased it.

“Our seafarers who were doing their job were caught in a political and trade war between Australia and China,” said Abdulgani Serang, the general secretary of the National Union of Seafarers of India.

The Indian vessel arrived in Tokyo late on Monday which was confirmed by both Serang and the Ship tracking website Marine Traffic
The sailors will be flying to New Delhi from Tokyo tonight after clearing COVID procedures.

After months of negotiations by the Indian government, the vessel was granted passage to Japan last week.

55 Ships Stranded

Serang revealed that more such ships are stranded in Chinese waters due to China-Australia trade relations. Apparently 55 such ships are stranded at sea at the moment, this includes MV Anastasia, an Indian manned foreign vessel anchored at Caofeidian port region from September.

China-Australia relations deteoriated over Australian sanctions on Chinese telecommunications company Huwai for their 5G Network over allegations of snooping. In retaliation China had banned unloading of Australian coal cargo in China. Beijing further extended the embargoes to Australian wine and beef.

Hopeful of Anastasia Crew Rescue

Serang was optimistic of the repatriation of the Anastasia crew as its owner MSC is actively negotiating the matter. Some of these sailors are serving for more than 18months on these ships.

“Sailors including from other nationalities, are in a way held captive, on a floating prison for months on end. This is taking a heavy toll on the mental and physical well-being of the crew,” Serang added.

Earlier Anastasia navigation officer Gaurav Singh had revealed how desperate the sailors are getting and losing their minds, with one of them even trying to commit suicide.

According to an IMO estimate 150,000 crew changes have been done since March 2020 which means about 900,000 seafarers, 450,00 each are still stuck. Approximately 450,000 seafarers are serving beyond their contracts.

Reference: aljazeera.com

Disclaimer :
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.

Latest Shipping News You Would Like:

U.S Navy Accuses Iranian Vessels Of Harassing Its Marine Attack Helicopter With Lasers

Posted on September 29, 2023

The vessels of IRGC shone a laser several times at a US attack helicopter as it was carrying out its routine operation in the international airspace yesterday, over the Gulf.

European Maritime Companies Ditching Toxic Ships On Bangladesh Beaches, Killing Workers

Posted on September 29, 2023

European maritime majors are now ditching old vessels for scraps on Bangladeshi beaches in polluting and dangerous conditions that have taken the lives of workers pulling them apart, informs Human Rights Watch.

HII Achieves Construction Milestone For Virginia-Class Submarine USS Arkansas

Posted on September 29, 2023

Newport News Shipbuilding has hit a significant and new milestone in the building of a Virginia-class sub dubbed Arkansas (SSN 800).

Improperly Declared Dangerous Goods Putting Lives At Risk In The Supply Chain

Posted on September 29, 2023

Over the past decade, containership fires have seen a disturbing rise, with a notable number resulting in casualties and total losses.

NYK To Trial Mooring System To Suppress Hull Shaking With Jera And Trelleborg Marine Systems

Posted on September 29, 2023

At many ports facing the open sea, hull shaking caused by sea swells and long-period waves has led to cargo-handling interruptions and ship evacuations, reducing port operation efficiency.