Minister of External Affairs Smt. Sushma Swaraj has turned out to be a Messiah for Indian Seafarers as during last 2 years she has saved more than 1000 Sailors from inhuman conditions. Although 20 Seafarers couldn't be rescued alive and only their remains could be brought back.
Anyone who tweeted or contacted the Minister got a swift reply and she acted in war fooing to help the victims. Take the recent case of Atul sharma and Sudhir kumar working on ship “Sea Pearl” . Their ship was detained by Nigerian Navy and they were made to live in inhuman conditions.
Atul sharma contacted Sushma Swaraj on 24th December 2017 and Minister ensured their release in just 5 days. On 29th December all the Indians of ship “ Sea Pearl” returned to India after receiving their full wages.
It is not the only case where MEA has provided such a wonderful support to the Indians in distress, here is a long list of such swift actions.
- Feb 2016 - 10 Indian sailors rescued from pirates in Ivory Coast.
- April 2017 -10 Indian Sailors of ship Al Kausar rescued from Somalian Pirates.
- 4 Indians rescued from ship MV Navi Moon
- 41 Indian Seafarers brought back from Suman in UAE. They were stuck in 4 different abandoned ships. These ships were in the Verge of sinking.
- Crew and families on vessel Jag Prabha stuck in Yemen were brought back safely.
- 6 Sailors from M.V. Golden queen and 7 from MSC Safina were repatriated after paying full salary.
and the list goes on.
Ministry of External Affairs in coordination with Indian Consulates has taken cognizance of every single plea made by Indian Sailors or by their family.
The change of attitude is helping Indian Seafarers across the globe and has developed a sense of security among the fraternity. A trust has developed that Indian Govt. is with them in case of distress.
All of us can contact the Government whenever we need through various channels. You can contact the MEA via twitter or via their app named madad.
Follow us