Key facts
- Eleven Indian sailors were convicted in Nigeria.
- The merchant vessel MV Aruna Hulya was convicted in Nigeria.
- 31.5 kilograms of cocaine were trafficked.
- MV Aruna Hulya was fined $5.3 million in restitution.
- Individual crew members also faced fines and restitution orders.
- The U.S. Navy rescued 14 Indian nationals.
- The Indian nationals were aboard the sinking dhow Virat 1.
- The dhow was located 80 nautical miles east of Oman.
- A U.S. Navy maritime patrol aircraft dropped a life raft.
- Assistance was coordinated with a nearby merchant vessel and local authorities.
In Nigeria, a court has convicted 11 Indian sailors and their merchant vessel, MV Aruna Hulya, for their involvement in trafficking 31.5 kilograms of cocaine. The vessel has been ordered to pay a fine of $5.3 million as restitution. In addition to the vessel's fine, the individual crew members also received fines and restitution orders as part of the court's judgment.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident off the coast of Oman, the U.S. Navy successfully coordinated a rescue operation for 14 Indian nationals. These individuals were aboard a dhow named Virat 1, which was reportedly sinking approximately 80 nautical miles east of Oman. The U.S. Navy's maritime patrol aircraft played a crucial role by dropping a life raft to the stranded sailors. The operation also involved coordinating assistance with a nearby merchant vessel and local authorities to ensure the safe recovery of all 14 Indian nationals from the distressed dhow.