Anglo-Eastern says it has completed its largest single crew change in India since the nationwide coronavirus lockdown began two months ago.

The Hong Kong shipmanager said 34 Indian crew members were involved in the 26 May operation — 17 off and 17 on — at Kochi on the south-western coast.

“Many of those who signed off the tanker were overdue by around two to three months for a combined delay of nearly 30 months,” it said.

“In light of this and the unpredictable nature of crew changes in the current climate, the off-signers were naturally delighted to be ashore, so that they can travel back to their homes and families after fulfilling their quarantine requirements.”

Captain Hrisheet Barve, who had served on board the tanker for almost double his contract period, said: “I would like to thank the entire team at Anglo-Eastern. None of this would have been possible without the desire to make it happen, as well as the tremendous amounts of coordination between all the various departments and teams.

Logistical nightmare

“They had to do so much more than just nominate the joiners and get them to Kochi — a logistical nightmare, I’m sure — but to also get all the clearances in place from numerous interests.”

Barve said the crew were “very happy to be back on land and looking forward to returning to their homes” once the quarantine period is over.

“I also thank the owners and charterers on behalf of my crew and myself, as without their cooperation, none of this would have been possible.”

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, Covid-19 restrictions and the drastic reduction of air traffic have reportedly prevented more than 200,000 seafarers from making routine changeovers.

Serious medical conditions

“Spending an extended period onboard, these seafarers are at risk from adverse health effects, including fatigue and mental health issues,” the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) said.

On Thursday, the chamber reported that seafarers are being denied evacuation or access to ports despite serious medical conditions.

ICS secretary general Guy Platten said: “We’re receiving alarming reports of seafarers who are suffering from serious medical injury such as a stroke [being] denied medical evacuation for over four days. This is simply not acceptable.”