The families of 16 Indian seafarers held in Iran since December say they 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 stated 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, it added.
Relatives of the detained crew members allege 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 them to have limited contact with their families.
Widespread protests have marked the political situation in Iran, with tensions rising and US military forces building up in the region. The owner of Prime Tankers, Jugwinder Brar, expressed concerns about the protests hindering legal representation for the detained crew while denying the accusations from Iranian authorities.
Concerns continue to mount over the living conditions of the detained crew, with reports of dwindling supplies and unsanitary conditions. Families and supporters argue that the crew should not be punished for the operations and decisions of their employer and have called for immediate action.
