India to Release Russian Ship After $200,000 Fine Payment – Seafarers Union

Head of the regional office of the Seafarers’ Union of Russia Nikolai Sukhanov said that Indian court has requested a fine of $200,000 for a release of Russian Sevastopol ship detained earlier this month.

VLADIVOSTOK (Sputnik) — Indian court has requested a fine of $200,000 for a release of Russian Sevastopol ship detained earlier this month, head of the regional office of the Seafarers’ Union of Russia Nikolai Sukhanov told RIA Novosti Friday.

“There is a fine imposed on the ship of over $200,000. Until it is paid, the ship will not be released. The ship owner has now retained a lawyer and the issue is solved through the court,” Sukhanov said.

Sukhanov added that all Sevastopol's crew members are feeling well, there is enough food and water on the ship.

The Sevastopol cargo ship, owned by a Vladivostok-based shipping company, Gudson, was detained while leaving the port of Mumbai and has since been held in neutral waters 14 miles off the coast.

Local authorities cite an arrest warrant against the vessel issued by the Madras high court on February 13, in a commercial dispute between the ship's owner and the Chennai-based M/s NTC Logistics (P) Ltd.

The ship was instructed not to proceed on its route until the commercial dispute is resolved.