Indian authorities proposed to their Chinese counterparts facilitating a crew change at sea for the crew members stranded aboard the vessels anchored for months off the Chinese coast. Responding to media questions in a written statement, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said that the cases of the bulk carriers Jag Anand and Anastasia, along with the other vessels waiting off the China coast, “are being pursued vigorously.”
The Indian ministry in its response said, “We have noted the statements of the Chinese side, expressing their willingness to extend their assistance in this matter. We expect that this assistance will be provided in an urgent, practical and time-bound manner, given the grave humanitarian situation that is developing on board the ships.”
In the latest proposal to resolve the stalemate, the Indian Ministry says that it understands the Anastasia is exploring the possibility of a crew change at sea at its current point of anchorage in Caofeidian. The Indian Embassy sent a letter on December 31 to the Chinese authorities supporting the proposal and requesting that it be approved.
