India on Friday called for “urgent, practical and time-limited” assistance for 39 Indian sailors stranded aboard two ships in Chinese waters, considering the “grave” humanitarian situation unfolding on the ships.
Foreign Ministry (MEA) spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said the Indian bulk cargo ship MV Jag Anand has been anchored near the Jingtang port in China’s Hebei province since June 13 and has 23 sailors. Indians.
Another ship, the MV Anastasia, with 16 Indian nationals as a crew has been anchored near the port of Caofeidian in China since September 20, he said.
Srivastava said both vessels have been waiting for their cargo to be unloaded and there is increasing stress on crew members due to the long delay.
“Given this and our concern over increasingly difficult conditions for our crew members, these two cases are being vigorously pursued,” he said in response to a media inquiry on the matter.
Srivastava said the Indian Embassy in Beijing continued in close and continuous contact with the Chinese authorities in Beijing, Hebei and Tianjin, adding that the MEA is also following up on the matter through the Chinese Embassy here for “a resolution. early “.
“We have taken note of the statements of the Chinese side, expressing its willingness to extend its assistance in this matter. We hope that this assistance will be provided in an urgent, practical and timely manner, given the serious humanitarian situation that is developing on board the ships, ”said Srivastava.
He said the Indian Embassy has repeatedly broached the issue with both the Chinese Foreign Ministry and local provincial authorities, requesting that ships be allowed to dock and / or that crew be allowed to change.
“They have been following up on this matter for the past few months. The Indian Ambassador has personally discussed this issue with the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs. The Ministry has also been following up on this issue with the Chinese Embassy, ”Srivastava said.
He said that Chinese authorities have relayed that due to various COVID-19-related restrictions imposed by local authorities, crew change from these ports is not allowed.
“While shipping companies are examining the logistics of moving ships away from their current anchorage points, our embassy is contacting the relevant authorities in Tianjin to obtain docking approvals to facilitate crew changes,” said Srivastava.
He said that shipping companies have been asked to make sure to submit their plans for the crew change as soon as possible for approval by local Chinese authorities.
“We also understand that MV Anastasia is exploring the possibility of a crew change at sea at its current anchor point at Caofeidian. Our Embassy wrote yesterday to the Chinese authorities proposing this alternative and requested its approval, ”he said.
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