Finally, a group of Indian seafarers, who were living in deplorable conditions on board a gas tanker a few miles off the coast of Fujairah for six months, are going home.

The 16 seafarers are going to taste freedom as their predicament ends on the occasion of 72nd Independence Day celebrations for Indians across the world.

The exhausted, yet relieved seafarers will depart from the UAE to India when the clock strikes on Wednesday, August 15 at 12am, the exact time India declared its independence from Britain in 1947.
The disputed vessel, Maharshi Vamadeva, was reportedly detained by the Fujairah Port authorities over a year ago for alleged non-payment of dues by ship owner Varun Global, a company under liquidation due to bankruptcy.

The decision to repatriate the men came after repeated efforts by the Consulate-General of India in Dubai, the UAE Federal Transport Authority, Fujairah port authorities and the ship’s local management.

Sumathi Vasudev, acting Consul-General of India, said: “The tickets are booked, and the men are free to return home. We thank the local authorities for allowing us to evacuate the crew.” The tickets for the men were paid for by the consulate, and they will head back on an Air India flight. Read More