New Delhi: A group of Indian sailors has returned home after spending nearly three months stranded in a conflict affected region of Iran, describing a traumatic ordeal that included detention, legal uncertainty and the terrifying experience of witnessing missiles fall near their vessel.
The crew members were working on the tanker MT Valiant Roar when they were detained by Iranian authorities in December last year over allegations of diesel smuggling. The sailors maintained that the vessel was carrying only Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil and not diesel as claimed.
According to Captain Vijay Kumar, the incident began on December 8 when the ship slowed down in international waters due to a generator malfunction. While the crew was attempting repairs, Iranian authorities intercepted the vessel. Armed personnel boarded the ship, separated the crew and reportedly detained them without providing a clear explanation.
The captain alleged that officials pressured the crew to sign documents stating that the vessel had entered Iranian territorial waters, a claim he said was contradicted by the ship’s GPS records. The crew was later taken to a port and held there for nearly two weeks while investigators conducted repeated inspections.
During the investigation, authorities reportedly raised multiple allegations including claims that the vessel was carrying large quantities of diesel and even cash worth millions of dollars. However, the crew insisted that several inspections failed to find any such cargo.
The situation worsened in early January when several crew members who had been taken for questioning were not returned to the vessel. The remaining sailors later learned that some of them had been jailed. Legal efforts were initiated, including a petition before the Delhi High Court, as the crew sought clearance to leave.
By late February, the sailors were finally released along with the vessel. However, their difficulties continued when the ship’s navigation system was found to be tampered with, preventing it from sailing.
Within days, tensions in the region escalated and the crew found themselves in the middle of a conflict zone. Captain Kumar recalled seeing missiles passing above the ship, leaving the sailors frightened and unable to sleep or eat.
After repeated requests, the Embassy of India in Iran arranged their evacuation. The sailors were moved to temporary accommodation before eventually leaving the country through Armenia after a long and risky journey.
Now back in India, the crew says they are relieved to be safe and have urged maritime authorities to strengthen protections for seafarers who often become vulnerable during international disputes.
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