The Russian Embassy in New Delhi has sent six verbal notes to the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the arrest of a Cameroonian vessel carrying Russian citizens. This was announced by Maria Zakharova, an official representative of Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on October 3.
Zakharova stated that the embassy dispatched six verbal notes directly to the Indian Foreign Ministry alone. She added that the Russian ambassador separately discussed the situation with Indian First Deputy Foreign Minister Vikram Misri and also submitted a formal request to the head of the Indian Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways for intervention.
The Cameroonian-flagged vessel Unity remains under arrest in India with 20 Russians on board. Russian diplomats are seeking the repatriation of the crew members and cooperating with Indian port authorities on replacement issues.
Zakharova noted that the embassy maintains continuous contact with the ship’s captain, owner, and agency company. Drinking water and food have already been delivered aboard, while legal proceedings are being handled in Orissa State Court.
Anastasia Berenwald, the girlfriend of one of the sailors, reported on September 8 that crew members were forced to live half-starved in June, consuming only four potatoes per person daily.
Larisa Kobzar, the wife of another crew member, stated on September 16 that the vessel had been deprived of necessary spare parts for repairs and was periodically without electricity. She emphasized that the crew continues to perform their duties to ensure the safety of the ship.
