Indian Vessel, 9 Crew-Members Detained in Iran

news.outlookindia.com, An Indian vessel 'MVS Ramban' carrying livestock, alongwith its nine crew members has been detained by the Iranian authorities for over two weeks now, the Salaya Sailing Vessel Owner's Association in the district said today.

"Ramban sailed from Tuna port of Kutch on February 11," Ahmed Bhaya, secretary of SSVOA told PTI from Salaya.

The wooden sailing vessel, which has a Porbandar registration number and is owned by Gaffar Mohammad Ker from Salaya, was carrying 513 animals (sheep and goats) and was heading for Dubai.

"The weather was rough, so the vessel sailed close to Konarak coast of Iran for shelter. On the Morning of February 16, Iran Navy seized it," Bhaya said.

"The Iran Navy took the vessel to Chabahar Navy port. They have kept two crew members on board, while other seven members have been sent to jail," Bhaya said.

"Now two weeks have passed and Iran has not released the vessel as well as crew members. They are facing lot of difficulties," Bhaya said.

Ker, the owner of the vessel, said, "we had all the legal documents for carrying livestock from India to Dubai. The crew members and the vessel have been detained for no fault."

"We have written through SSVOA to D G Shipping, Indian Government and Indian embassy in Iran for the release of the vessel and the crew members," Ker said.

This is the first time in the recent history that a vessel from Gujarat has been detained by Iran Navy, Bhaya said.

Eight of the nine crew members are from Salaya, while one is from Jamnagar, he said.