Padmesh Prabhune –
The crew from the Panama-flagged cargo ship ISA Star arrived in Mumbai early morning on Wednesday December 25, 2024 much to add the joy to their families on the day of Christmas.
The successful repatriation marks the culmination of intensive diplomatic and logistical efforts equally led by the DG Shipping, National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). Organizations worked around the clock to ensure the safe return of the seafarers to their families.
Capt. (Dr.) Daniel J Joseph, Dy. Director General of Shipping (Crew), DG Shipping, Govt. of India, said, “We welcome all the crew members back home and are thankful to everyone for all their support, ensuring successful repatriation of our crews. The debriefing session of crews will be held soon.”
“The safe return of our seafarers has been our top priority since the incident occurred,” said Milind Kandalgaonkar, General Secretary cum Treasurer of NUSI. “This successful repatriation demonstrates the effectiveness of international maritime cooperation in crisis situations.”
The returning crew members were welcomed by their families in an emotional reunion at Mumbai’s international terminal. Medical and wellbeing’s professionals were on standby to provide any necessary support, though initial reports indicate all crew members are in good health.
Earlier this month on December 5, 2024 the vessel while heading from Venice, Italy, to Batu Ampar, Indonesia, reported flooding in the engine room and the master requested assistance. All the crews onboard were rescued by Eunavfor Aspides in the Red Sea and were transported to Djibouti, the nearest safe port of call. The cause of the incident has not yet been discerned.
Marex Media