The arrested tanker Unity, which has a Kazakh citizen in its crew, was moved closer to the shore near India's Paradip port ahead of an approaching storm. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
According to the relative of a sailor who spoke to the agency, the vessel's engine is broken and it is in an emergency condition.
"The tanker was towed closer to the shore. How much closer is unclear — there is fog and the shore is not visible," the sailor's relative said.
The day before, India's meteorological service warned that a storm is forming over the Bay of Bengal. According to the forecast, it will intensify by October 26 and approach the country's eastern coast on the morning of October 28. In Odisha state, where the Paradip port is located and the Unity tanker is anchored, heavy rain and gusty winds are expected.
Earlier, Kursiv reported that the Unity tanker was arrested on May 11 due to financial claims against the shipowner. Initially, 23 crew members were reported stranded on board: 20 Russians, two Egyptian citizens and one Kazakh. Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry sent a diplomatic note to the Indian side asking for help in returning the compatriot home.
The sailors faced delays in wages and a shortage of necessary supplies. Later, the insurer paid off the debt and established supplies, but the crew remained on board. In September, the tanker already weathered a strong storm: the vessel was torn from its anchor and drifted with a non-working engine.
On October 6, a court instructed Indian authorities to organize the return of the crew home and send a replacement team to the tanker. This is to be done as soon as possible, preferably within three weeks after receiving a copy of the decision.
Later, lawyers promised the sailors departure before October 28. However, the Russian Consulate General in Kolkata clarified that the exact timing and procedure for the return have not yet been determined.
On October 17, relatives also reported plans to sell the Unity. According to them, the crew cannot leave the tanker until a replacement arrives. Families fear that the sailors will have to remain on the vessel until it is sold.