8 seafarers, including Mohali-based Captain, back home from Jakarta

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 26

India may have resumed crew changes for its seafarers, who are caught in the pandemic-related restrictions, but many countries are still refusing clearance, causing stress and confusion.

Amid this grim scenario, the homecoming of eight seafarers, thanks to the efforts of owners of the companies, has come as a huge relief for families and colleagues.

PT Selebes Sarana, vessel owner, and Asia World Shipping Pte Ltd, a technical management company, along with its crewing agent, Crew Sarge Maritime Pvt Ltd, succeeded in repatriating the seafarers, who were stranded on MT Roil Orchid ever since their contract ended on May 1, from Jakarta to Delhi with “fully paid wages”.

“During this difficult time, it is a challenge for all ship owners to repatriate seafarers whose contract has ended, with many countries imposing travel bans and restrictions. The emotional well-being of the crew should not be overlooked. It was an obligation for me to bring them home safely,” said JS Gill, Director, Asia World Shipping Pte Ltd.

“Our success would not have been possible without the support of the Jakarta consulate and the Government of India,” Gill added. “All quarantine costs were covered by the owners.”

Mohali-based Captain Vikram Sudarshanlal Sharma, Master, MT Roil Orchid, who was one of the repatriated seafarers, said, “When all big shipping companies are looking for a way out, our employers soldiered on to find ways and means to get us home safely. We were overwhelmed by their support and care.”

The Jakarta consulate went out of the way to help, he added. “It’s a lesson for many shipping giants, who are not working towards repatriating their seafarers citing restrictions on permissions.”