Kochi sailor who endured Equatorial Guinea’s detention feels relieved with international tribunal’s verdict

Nearly four years after enduring the pain and embarrassment of his life after he and his colleagues were detained by Equatorial Guinea, Kochi-based sailor Sanu Jose now feels more relieved than ever. Mr. Jose, a native of Elamkulam in Ernakulam, describes the recent decision of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) against Equatorial Guinea for the detention of the cargo ship MT Hero Idun It instilled new confidence in the sailing community in mid-August 2022.

Mr Jose was the chief officer Hero Idun The ship was detained by Equatorial Guinea on charges of violating its territorial waters and attempting to steal crude oil. The ship had a crew of 26 people, including 16 Indians, 8 Sri Lankans and one each from the Philippines and Poland. An SOS video sent by Mr Jose from the detained ship gained wider attention and led to government intervention.

They were later handed over to the Nigerian navy and released in May 2023. It was reported that the detainees were released after the ship’s owner, Idun Maritime Limited, paid a fine worth millions and apologized to the Nigerian government.

However, the Marshall Islands government later questioned the detention of its ship by moving ITLOS, headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, and made a positive decision on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. According to the decision, Equatorial Guinea violated the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) by capturing and detaining maritime marines registered to the Marshall Islands. Hero Idun and its crew.

The Special Chamber reportedly awarded more than $14 million in damages to the Marshall Islands for Equatorial Guinea’s illegal actions; This includes more than $4 million for crew mistreatment. This is the largest amount ever awarded by ITLOS.

Satisfied with the international judicial order, Mr Jose said it had erased a black mark on his career. “The shipping company sought an out-of-court settlement to save the ship and crew as soon as possible. But even after my release, I struggled to find peace of mind when the thought of being treated unfairly recurred in my mind. We were branded as oil thieves and accused of trying to undermine the economy of Equatorial Guinea. All this, even though we knew we were not doing anything illegal. The final verdict was a great relief and reassured the other captains,” he said.

After his release, Mr. Jose returned to his former company, which promoted him to captain. He currently works for an oil and gas expert. He said that two of his colleagues from Kerala, who were detained with him – V. Vijith from Kollam and Milton De Coth from Kochi – continued to engage in sailing.

Mr Jose attended the hearing in Hamburg in October 2025.

Meanwhile, welcoming the decision, Marshall Islands Deputy Commissioner for Maritime Affairs, Meredith Kirby, said it was “important for this country to bring the case forward to protect the fundamental rules and principles of law for flag States, the humane and fair treatment of seafarers, the safety of ships and the maritime environment, and those engaged in international maritime trade. This decision reaffirms the paramount importance of freedom of navigation and the principle of exclusive flag State jurisdiction on the high seas.” in a statement.