Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Anastasia

After nearly six months of maritime confinement, 18 seafarers are finally set to disembark from the MSC vessel 'Anastasia' this week. The ship, which has been anchored off the coast of China since September 2020, is now en route to Iwakuni, Japan. This change comes after prolonged uncertainty and a lack of opportunity for the crew to go ashore. The arrival in Japan is anticipated on February 10, marking a significant moment for the crew members who have waited tirelessly for this chance to return on land.

On February 4, 2021, significant progress was made for 16 Indian sailors stranded aboard the vessel 'Anastasia', which has been anchored near Caofeidian, China, since September 20, 2020. The External Affairs Ministry of India expressed optimism for a swift crew change following the approval from Chinese authorities. After persistent efforts by the Indian embassy in Beijing, the central government in China has provided the necessary clearance to local officials in Tangshan and port authorities for the crew transfer. Reports indicate that the shipping agent for 'Anastasia' has already submitted a formal request to the local port authorities and is actively collaborating with them to finalize the details for the crew change at Caofeidian port.

In a heartbreaking incident, a 39-year-old crew member aboard the Indian vessel 'Anastasia' attempted suicide after being stranded in Chinese waters for an agonizing 13 months. His plea for permission to return home to care for his ailing wife and two children, both suffering from Covid-19, was met with denial, pushing him to the edge. Initially contracted for five months, the extended service duration took a toll on his mental health, resulting in a tragic wrist-slashing incident. Thankfully, the ship's Navigating Officer intervened just in time to save him. The 'Anastasia' is not alone in its plight; another vessel, the 'Jag Anand', owned by India's Great Eastern Shipping Company, has been stuck at Caofeidian and Jingtang ports for 160 and 213 days respectively, as of January 13, 2021. This situation is exacerbated by the ongoing border standoff and trade tensions between China and India, which have led Chinese authorities to enforce strict policies on Indian-flagged vessels, while allowing ships of other nationalities to offload cargo without hindrance. The stranded sailors have been left without sufficient support from the Indian central government, leaving their families, primarily from Maharashtra, in despair as they seek assistance. Despite their continuous appeals to various government officials, the essential help needed to repatriate these maritime workers remains elusive, showcasing the dire circumstances faced by many seafarers caught in geopolitical disputes.