Parents of four Indian seafarers stranded on the vessel DIVA near Basra, Iraq, are calling on the Indian government for their urgent repatriation. The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) has reached out to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, emphasizing the need for immediate evacuation. Among those stranded is Rex Pereira from Nalasopara, Maharashtra, who, along with his crew, is unable to leave the ship due to the ship owner withholding their passports and other essential documents.
Rex’s parents, Joyce and Chester, expressed their deep concern, noting that the vessel is dangerously close to active bombardment zones. Chester, a retired shipbuilder, highlighted the crew’s previous struggles with food and water shortages, although they have since received some supplies. However, their location remains perilous, particularly as the ship is docked near a desalination plant, which could be targeted.
Rex has reported difficulties in securing permission to disembark, as the ship owner has not returned his documents despite promises. The situation has escalated following recent attacks on vessels in the region, prompting the FSUI to advocate strongly for the seafarers’ safety and swift evacuation. The parents are in constant contact with the Indian Embassy, urging assistance to facilitate their children’s return.
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