Cochin: Indian sailors who were trapped by the Nigerian Navy said that they harassed us to drink toilet water.
16 Indians including 3 sailors held by the Nigerian Navy have been released after 10 months. Last year, the vessel Heroic Idun went to Nigeria to buy oil. A total of 26 people including 16 Indians, including 3 sailors working in a private shipping company from India, were traveling in it.
However, in August last year, the vessel was waiting for a Nigerian vessel to receive the oil. Meanwhile, an unidentified vessel, claiming to be from the Nigerian Navy, is approaching the vessel. Fearing that those approaching their ship might be pirates, Aidun’s ship entered international waters. As a result, the vessel was intercepted by the Nigerian Navy as crossing the border.
It was later accused of stealing oil from Nigeria. The case related to this was held in the Nigerian High Court last January. It was reported that all 26 people who came on the ship were criminals.
After negotiations, an agreement was reached to compensate the Nigerian government. 16 Indians were released after 10 months after this agreement was completed.
Out of which 3 sailors are from Kerala state. Sailors Sanu Joseph from Kochi, V. Vijith and Milton de Gauth from Kollam recently arrived in Kochi.
The 3 people said, “For the past 10 months, we have been caught by the Nigerian Navy and have suffered a lot. They forced us to drink toilet water. Beating tormentors. Thank you to everyone who helped us to recover.”
