Mumbai, 21 Jan 2021: 23 Indian seafarers on the ship, MV Jag Anand, who were stuck at a Chinese port at anchorage for more than 7 months, have landed in India at the Cochin airport yesterday.

Indian seafarers on the MV Jag Anand were stuck at a port in China for more than 7 months and since then the National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI), along with Maritime Union of India (MUI) had been exploring several options to bring them back home.

The impasse is believed to be the outcome of the political & trade war between Australia and China.

Informing about the pleasant outcome, Abdulgani Y Serang, General Secretary-cum-Treasurer, NUSI, said, “We are happy to inform you that today our seafarers of ‘Jag Anand’ have landed in India at the Cochin airport.

“NUSI appreciates the support and direction of Shipping Minister, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Shri Amitabh Kumar, Director General of Shipping, the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), the Great Eastern Shipping, individual seafarers, and their family members, and various associations in extending support to bring our seafarers back.”

He further added, “We are proud of the seafarers of “Jag Anand” who continued to discharge their duties even in these challenging times.

NUSI along with MUI took up the matter nationally and internationally, with the Great Eastern Shipping, the Indian maritime administration, Ministry of Shipping, Ministry of External Affairs, Prime Minister’s Office, ILO, and IMO. The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) extended their strong support in solidarity. On the advice of NUSI, thousands of seafarers sent protest emails to the IMO Secretary-General to initiate effective measures. NUSI also provided counselling to the seafarers onboard and their families through the “NUSI Sahara” counselling helpline.

On arrival at Cochin airport, the seafarers of “Jag Anand” were given a grand welcome by NUSI Cochin Branch Representative, Bro. Vinay Pai and a large number of seafarers.

Marex Media