Tripoli: A Libyan rebel group has released nine Indian sailors it had detained in January near Libya's Janzour area. The sailors were part of a crew on the ship MAYA 1, bearing a Cameroon flag, which was grounded near the said area after it experienced technical issues.
A local armed group known as Az Zawiya, based close to Al Maya Port in Zawia city, conducted a raid on the ship, which was operated by the Greek firm Redwings Shipping SA. The squad eventually captured the crew of the sailors.
The release of the sailors, almost five months after their detention, is attributed to the efforts of two key individuals - Tabassum Mansoor, Principal of the Indian International School in Benghazi, and Ngulkham Jathom Gangte, the Ambassador of India to Tunisia.
Ambassador Gangte said despite prior efforts from Tripoli, the government was unable to save the trapped crew. He claimed that once Mansoor got involved, things moved along more quickly.
Mansoor's contribution, particularly her connections in the House of Representatives, was significant in facilitating the release of the sailors. Well-recognised for her dedication to the welfare of Indian nationals in Libya, she utilised her extensive network to manage negotiations with the rebel group.