As many as 16 Indians, including Malayalis have been detained in the African country Guinea for violating the international sea route for the past three months. Among the Malayalis, Vijith, brother of Vismaya, who suicided over domestic violence last year, has also been held.
According to reports, the team of 26, employees of Norway-based OSM Maritime, had left for South Africa to transport crude oil to Nigeria. The captain of the ship is Dhanush Metha and chief officer is Sanu Jose, a Malayali. Vijith is the navigating officer.
While the ship was waiting for clearance to enter Nigeria, Guniean navy officers arrested the crew for violating the maritime boundary. Despite the company paying the fine demanded by Guinea they have been not released, alleged employees.
Relatives of the staff have approached union and state governments seeking intervention.
