Thiruvananthapuram: Nov 8 (PTI) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday urged the Centre to intervene and ensure the release of 16 Indian sailors, including three from the state, held in Equatorial Guinea.
In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vijayan requested him to direct Indian diplomatic missions in the countries concerned -- Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria -- to proactively intervene and facilitate the immediate release of the Norwegian vessel -- MT Heroic Idun -- and its crew who have been detained since August 12.
In his letter, the CM contended that the vessel was held by an Equatorial Guinea naval ship in international waters on August 12 and as per reports, a total of 26 crew, including 16 Indians, are being held as hostages. "Among the 16 seafarers, three are from Kerala. The vessel has been held unlawfully...," he added.
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