Kochi sailor who endured Equatorial Guinea’s detention feels relieved with international tribunal’s verdict
Sanu Jose | Photo Credit: The Hindu Nearly four years after he endured the suffering and shame of a lifetime, after being detained by Equatorial Guinea along with his colleagues, Kochi-based sailor Sanu Jose feels relieved now more than ever. Mr. Jose, a native of Elamkulam in Ernakulam, says the recent judgment of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) against Equatorial Guinea over the detention of the cargo ship MT Heroic Idun in mid-August 2022 has infused fresh confidence in the sailing community. Mr. Jose was the chief officer of Heroic Idun when the vessel was detained by Equatorial Guinea on charge of violating their territorial waters and attempt to steal crude oil. The vessel had a 26-member crew including 16 Indians, eight Sri Lankans, and one person each from Philippines and Poland. An SOS video sent by Mr. Jose from onboard the detained ship had grabbed wider attention and prompted government interventions. They were later handed over to the Nigerian navy and were released in May 2023. The detainees were …
