Remaining Four Malaysians Stranded On Vessel In UAE Return Home

KUALA LUMPUR, July 20 (Bernama) -- The remaining four Malaysian crew members of MV Berkat Tuah, who had been stranded at Hamriyah Port in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE), have safely returned home, marking the completion of efforts to repatriate all eight Malaysians from the vessel.

The Foreign Ministry, also known as Wisma Putra, said the crew members arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 9 am on Monday following sustained efforts by the Consulate General of Malaysia in Dubai, in collaboration with the Malaysian Marine Department, to secure their release with the relevant authorities in Sharjah.

In a statement Monday, it said the four crew members were permitted to disembark from the vessel on July 18. Four others from the same vessel had returned to Malaysia on April 10.

Prior to their return, the Consulate General of Malaysia in Dubai conducted several consular visits to ensure the welfare and safety of the stranded crew members.

"The Consulate General also engaged the Sharjah authorities and coordinated closely with the Malaysian Marine Department and relevant stakeholders to facilitate the repatriation process as soon as possible," the ministry stated.

The ministry also expressed Malaysia's appreciation to the UAE government for its assistance and cooperation in facilitating the safe return of the crew members.

Wisma Putra said it remained committed to safeguarding the welfare of Malaysians overseas through its diplomatic missions abroad.

-- BERNAMA