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The development brings relief to the families after days of uncertainty following the seizure of the ship during a US-led operation in international waters.
Tanker seized on charges of ‘shadow fleet’
According to News18, the oil tanker Marinera was stopped last week after US authorities alleged it was linked to a so-called “shadow fleet” used to transport oil on behalf of sanctioned countries such as Venezuela, Russia and Iran.
The seizure was made in international waters and all crew members on board the ship were initially detained for questioning.
According to News18, the tanker had a total of 28 crew members, including sailors from Ukraine, Georgia and Russia, as well as three Indian nationals.
US officials had earlier indicated that the crew could face prosecution, a situation that later drew a strong reaction from Moscow.
Indian crew members are also among those rescued
News18 reported that one of the Indians on board the ship was a 26-year-old merchant navy officer from Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.
The officers were on their first sea assignment when the tanker was seized. His family had previously said that they last spoke to him on the day the interception occurred.
The release of the Indian nationals follows Russia’s announcement last week that US authorities have decided to free Russian crew members from the same ship.
According to News18, Moscow had criticized the seizure and cautioned against any legal action against the detained crew, calling such steps unacceptable.
Sergio Gore and US-India engagement
The development coincided with Sergio Gore formally assuming charge as the new United States Ambassador to India in New Delhi.
Speaking after assuming office, Gore underlined the ongoing engagement between New Delhi and Washington.
“Both sides continue to actively engage. In fact, the next call on trade will be tomorrow,” Gore said as he formally assumed his post in New Delhi.
According to News 18, he said, “The United States and India are bound not only by shared interests, but by a relationship established at the highest level.”
Russia condemned American action
Russia described the tanker’s seizure as illegal and accused Washington of escalating global tensions.
According to News18, Moscow warned that prosecuting the crew was “categorically unacceptable” and said such actions could threaten international shipping.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry said the move would “only lead to further military and political tensions”, adding that it was concerned by “Washington’s desire to generate a situation of serious international crisis”.