Nine Indian Sailors Safely Repatriated from Ghana: Diplomatic Success for Indian Government

Indian Sailors Rescued After Four Months Stranded in Ghana

Nine Indian sailors, who were stranded for over four months at the port of Accra, Ghana, have been safely repatriated to India thanks to persistent diplomatic efforts by the Indian government. These crew members of the cargo vessel M.V Rahaf Moon were facing a severe economic and humanitarian crisis after being abandoned by the ship's owner.

Following proactive initiatives and swift diplomatic intervention by the Indian High Commission in Accra, all sailors departed from Accra International Airport for India on July 23, 2026. This successful rescue mission underscores the Indian government's unwavering commitment to the safety of its citizens, particularly when they find themselves in adverse circumstances on foreign soil.

The High Commission shared this information on 'X' (formerly Twitter), confirming the safe return of the nine Indian crew members of the M.V Rahaf Moon.

Grave Case of 'Crew Abandonment' Highlighted

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO) and other international media reports, this incident was an extremely serious instance of 'crew abandonment' in maritime history, where the ship's owner deserts its crew. In addition to the nine Indians, two Azerbaijani and one Turkish national were also on board the vessel.

The ship's owner had completely abandoned the ship and its crew in a helpless state at the Tema Port in Ghana on March 3, 2026. For approximately 142 days of uncertain waiting, the crew had not received their salaries for the past four months. This situation created a deep economic crisis for them and caused severe humanitarian suffering.

Coordination Efforts Lead to Successful Repatriation

The Indian High Commission executed this rescue operation with the active cooperation and support of the Ghana Maritime Authority, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, and the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITFW). The combined efforts of these organizations ensured timely assistance for the sailors and secured their safe return.

This event also highlights the necessity for the enforcement of international maritime regulations and the protection of sailors' rights.