In a shocking discovery, 39 Indians found stranded on two ships in China for months

In a shocking discovery, thirty-nine Indians were found stranded on two ships in the Chinese waters for many months, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) confirmed on December 17, also stating that India was contact with the authorities in China to ensure the crew’s humanitarian needs were looked after.

In a media briefing, MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava further shed light on the matter reporting that bulk cargo vessel MV Jag Anand was anchored near Jingtang port in Hebei province since June 13. The ship currently houses 23 Indian nationals as crew. Another ship, MV Anastasia, with 16 Indians as crew, was anchored near Caofeidian port since September 20, awaiting the discharge of the cargo, he said.

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“Our embassy is in touch with the Chinese authorities. The Chinese authorities have conveyed that on account of various COVID-19 related restrictions imposed by the local authorities, crew change is not being permitted from these ports,” he further added. Srivastava said the owners of these shipping companies and receivers of the cargo have been informed of the reasons for the delay in the unloading of the cargo.