FSM vessels detained in Eritrea for 6 months
The two barges entered the port of Eritrea on May 21 on their maiden voyage to the Maldives from Egypt.
Eritrean authorities are yet to release two Fuel Supplies Maldives (FSM) vessels seized six months ago, the company said Monday.
The two vessels are out of four barges that were built as part of a 2019 agreement signed by the FSM with an Egyptian company. Out of the four barges, two were earlier completed and brought to the Maldives.
The two barges entered the port of Eritrea on May 21 on their maiden voyage to the Maldives from Egypt without seeking emergency permission due to bad weather and rough seas. Eritrean port authorities seized the barges along with the crew on board.
Maldivian and Egyptian sailors aboard the two vessels were rescued and brought to their native countries in June.
FSM Managing Director Mohamed Gasam told Atoll Times that the vessels have not been brought yet. FSM's parent company, STO, is handling the legal arrangements for the delivery of the ships, he said.
When contacted, STO officials said the vessels have not yet been brought back. However, details will be given later, officials said.
Gasam had earlier said that since Eritrea does not have diplomatic relations with the Maldives, efforts were progressing at a slow pace.
