NEW DELHI: A 26-member team, including Malayalis, have been detained in the African country of Guinea. The Guinean Navy detained the vessel in which they were working following instructions from the Nigerian Navy. They have not been released yet despite the company paying the ransom. It is reported that the Guinean Navy is now planning to hand over all of them to Nigeria. Vijith, the brother of Vismaya, who committed suicide following dowry harassment in Kollam, is among the imprisoned.

The Norway-based vessel Heroic Idem arrived at Nigeria's AKPO terminal on August 8 to fill crude oil. While waiting at the terminal, the crew noticed a boat approaching the vessel. Assuming that the boat contained pirates, the crew immediately diverted the vessel. Only when the Guinean Navy surrounded the ship, did the crew members realise that the boat belonged to the Navy. The relatives of the detained sailors are saying that the release of the employees is possible only if countries, including India, intervene in the matter.