Andhra Mariner played nine months in Iran, even as the crew was released. Family urges swift government action
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) intercepted their ships along the coast of Bushe, Rao was the Togo champion, the captain of the UAE-managed tanker betel nut was detained along with 12 other crew members. Four months later, all other crew members were released, but Rao was still in custody.
According to Wang’s wife Toi, Swati, who married him in August 2023, claimed that her husband was wrongly accused by Iranian authorities. “Although we have repeatedly tried to seek help from ship management, we still cannot ensure his release. We are very concerned about his safety and well-being. Our baby girl hasn’t even seen her father yet,” she said.
Swati was three months pregnant when she left Srikakulam in January 2024 and gave birth to her daughter seven months ago. However, Iranian authorities only allow Lao to talk to his family for only two minutes a day. His brother also revealed that Iranian authorities had fined $2 million on board the ship on June 18, 2023 on June 18, 2023.
Rao’s brother added: “My brother received his salary by September 2024. We have appealed to K Rammohan Naidu to help ensure my brother has access to fair justice and ultimately released opportunities.”
Unfortunately, neither the former ship management nor the new owner responded to communications from the Iranian authorities, putting the family in a desperate situation.Input from TOI
