18 Indian sailors stranded in Chinese waters since September to return on Feb 14

New Delhi: Eighteen Indian sailors stuck in China will return to India on February 14, Ports Shipping and Waterways Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Wednesday.

The crew will sign off from Japan today and will be reunited with their families on reaching India, he said.

“Our stranded seafarers of MV Anastasia are coming back to India. The crew will sign off from Japan today and will reach India on February 14,” the Minister posted on twitter.

Mr Mandaviya appreciated the efforts of Indian embassy in China and the Mediterranean Ship Company (MSC) for arranging the repatriation.

Cargo vessel MV Anastasia was stuck off the coast of China since September 2020, an official said.

Earlier, 23 seafarers of Ship MV Jag Anand, stuck in China, had reached India last month.

Chinese authorities did not allow the ships to either dock or go for a crew change for months citing coronavirus-related restrictions. (UNI)