Fourteen Indian troopers, who have been stranded on board an oil tanker off the coast of Bahrain since December have lastly left for home, says a report in Gulf Daily news.
They were among the 16-member crew of Mongolian vessel MT Surya Kuber, which was banned from leaving the country because its Singapore-based owner 7Seas Ship Management allegedly owed Asry and Kanoo Shipping more than $220,000.
In December, the vessel arrived in Bahrain for repairs, but was subsequently detained after refusing to pay Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (ASRY) for their services.
An official court ruling in Bahrain was handed down in February banning the vessel from leaving until all debts have been settled after ASRY initiated legal action against 7Seas Ship management.
In addition, the crew’s salaries were not paid since October, resulting in additional USD 118,000 of debt.
The Indians left for home on Monday night time on tickets paid for by the Indian embassy in Bahrain.
“The sailors are leaving the nation without receiving their salaries, however their lawyer has the facility of lawyer in order that he can comply with up the case within the courtroom, ` stated Reverend Stephen Thanapaul, chaplain for the Mission to Seafarers in Bahrain, was quoted as saying.
“The Indian Embassy paid for the air tickets for the 14 sailors (from India).” Ram Singh, first secretary within the Indian embassy, stated it additionally raised cash for aircraft tickets for the 2 Myanmar residents by means of donations from the group.