The families of 16 Indian seafarers held in Iran since December are anxious about the fate of their loved ones as the geopolitical situation in the region remains tense. On 8 December, Iranian authorities seized an oil tanker, MT Valiant Roar, while it was in international waters. They alleged that the ship, operated by Dubai-based Prime Tankers LLC, was carrying 6,000 metric tonnes of illegal diesel. The company has denied this.
Apart from the 16 Indians, the crew has one person each from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The Indian families of the crew members have approached the Delhi high court, asking it to issue urgent directions to the government to secure consular access and ensure their safe return.
According to documents submitted by India's foreign ministry in a Delhi court, 10 of the Indian crew members have been arrested and moved to a jail in Iran while the others remain on board the ship. The ministry said it has now gained consular access to the 10 arrested men who are being held in Bandar Abbas prison. The Indian embassy has learned that the Iranian side will facilitate access to the six Indian seafarers on board the vessel once requisite clearances are received from the Iranian Navy/Prosecutor's office.
Relatives of the detained crew members have alleged that they have been confined to a tiny room on the vessel without proper food or potable drinking water. While most of their laptops and phones have been taken away, one phone was returned, allowing for limited contact with their families.
The BBC has sent detailed questions to the Iranian embassy in Delhi about the allegations but has yet to receive a response. The political situation in Iran has been turbulent in recent weeks, and widespread protests have broken out, leading to increased tensions in the region.
Families and company officials allege that the crew are held in poor conditions, with food supplies running low and the ship's generators malfunctioning. Concern for the crew's well-being grows as they approach the end of their contracts. The owner of Prime Tankers has denied the allegations of illegal fuel transport and insists on the vessels' compliance with international regulations.
Calls for the safe return of the crew intensify, with family members refusing to see their loved ones treated as collateral in ongoing disputes.
Apart from the 16 Indians, the crew has one person each from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The Indian families of the crew members have approached the Delhi high court, asking it to issue urgent directions to the government to secure consular access and ensure their safe return.
According to documents submitted by India's foreign ministry in a Delhi court, 10 of the Indian crew members have been arrested and moved to a jail in Iran while the others remain on board the ship. The ministry said it has now gained consular access to the 10 arrested men who are being held in Bandar Abbas prison. The Indian embassy has learned that the Iranian side will facilitate access to the six Indian seafarers on board the vessel once requisite clearances are received from the Iranian Navy/Prosecutor's office.
Relatives of the detained crew members have alleged that they have been confined to a tiny room on the vessel without proper food or potable drinking water. While most of their laptops and phones have been taken away, one phone was returned, allowing for limited contact with their families.
The BBC has sent detailed questions to the Iranian embassy in Delhi about the allegations but has yet to receive a response. The political situation in Iran has been turbulent in recent weeks, and widespread protests have broken out, leading to increased tensions in the region.
Families and company officials allege that the crew are held in poor conditions, with food supplies running low and the ship's generators malfunctioning. Concern for the crew's well-being grows as they approach the end of their contracts. The owner of Prime Tankers has denied the allegations of illegal fuel transport and insists on the vessels' compliance with international regulations.
Calls for the safe return of the crew intensify, with family members refusing to see their loved ones treated as collateral in ongoing disputes.
