Families of 16 Detained Sailors in Iran Appeal to Delhi HC; Captain from Meeru

Families of 16 Indian sailors remain in a state of anxiety as they await news regarding their loved ones, who have been detained in Iran. The sailors were part of the crew aboard the oil tanker MT Valiant Roar, intercepted by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard on December 8, 2022. The families have reached out to the Delhi High Court for urgent directions to the central government for consular access to the detained sailors.

Background of the Incident

On December 8, 2022, the MT Valiant Roar was intercepted near Dibba, UAE. Iranian authorities allege the tanker was involved in smuggling 6,000 tonnes of fuel, which the families and representatives of the crew vehemently deny.

Among the detained is Captain Vijay Kumar, a resident of Meerut, and third engineer Ketan Mehta, 27, whose family resides in Ghaziabad. Ketan’s parents, Mukesh and Rajni Mehta, were initially unaware of his detention for weeks.

Timeline of Events

• December 8, 2022: MT Valiant Roar intercepted in international waters.
• December 12, 2022: Vinod Kumar, Captain Vijay’s cousin, began contacting Indian authorities regarding the tanker’s detention.
• December 22, 2022: Captain Vijay managed to call Vinod; he confirmed the detention of crew members.
• January 6, 2023: Mukesh Mehta received a call confirming Ketan’s detention.
• January 10, 2023: Families filed a petition with the Delhi High Court seeking assistance.

Details from the Families

Upon learning about his cousin’s call, Vinod Kumar reported that Vijay described a tense situation aboard the ship as Iranian patrol boats closed in. The call ended abruptly, leaving the family in distress.

Ketan’s last communication with his parents was on December 31, 2022. He assured them he would soon return home, yet did not mention the detention to avoid alarming his mother due to her health condition. Mukesh received devastating news on January 6 about Ketan’s arrest.

Conditions of Detention

Reports indicate that the crew have been confined under armed guard, with limited communication and access to basic necessities. Vinod Kumar stated that for nearly two weeks, the families struggled to get reliable information about the sailors’ conditions.

According to the families, the Iranian authorities ignored efforts to clarify that the tanker was transporting legally loaded low sulphur fuel oil. The ship was accused of smuggling; however, Captain Vijay maintained that the tanker was merely exercising its right of innocent passage in international waters before being forcibly boarded.

Legal Action and Appeals

The families have urged Indian authorities, including the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of External Affairs, to intervene. The Indian embassy in Iran has been active in seeking consular access for the detained sailors, sending multiple diplomatic notes and requests since December 14, 2022.

As the situation unfolds, families in Meerut and Ghaziabad remain hopeful yet anxious, holding onto the hope of swift government action to secure the release of their loved ones.