India is in regular touch with Chinese authorities to resolve the issue of ships with Indian crew stranded in Chinese waters for several months

During the weekly media briefing on Thursday, Ministry of External Affairs’ spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said the bulk cargo vessel MV Jagannath has been on anchorage near Jingtang Port in China since June 13. This vessel has 23 Indian nationals on board.

Another vessel, MV Anastasia, which has 16 Indian nationals on board, is on anchorage near Caofeidian Port in China since September 20. Both the ships are waiting for discharge of cargo, the MEA spokesperson said.

“Our embassy is in touch with the Chinese authorities in this matter. The Chinese authorities have conveyed to us that due to Covid-19 restrictions, placed by local authorities, the crew change is not permitted from these ports,” Anurag Srivastava said.

He also said that “the owners of these shipping companies as well as receivers of cargo have been informed of the reasons for the delay.”

“The government continues to be in regular touch with the Chinese authorities to seek a resolution on these issues at the earliest. And also, to ensure that humanitarian needs of the crew are taken care of,” the MEA spokesperson said.